The goal of this two-day, faculty-led, on-site weekend intensive course is to provide physical and occupational therapists with the skills required to manage balance and falls within the older adult population across a variety of settings and populations using a case-based learning method. This course will include an over of the aging balance system, proper evaluation of balance/falls conditions, appropriate dosing of therapy interventions, discharge planning, and provide a framework for evidence-informed management for these conditions to optimize outcomes for management of the older adult patient. Learners will be able to synthesize recent research into their current practice habits and elevate their clinical management of the balance and falls population. 

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Course Objectives/Outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful participant will be able to: 

• Examine the implications of physiological and pathological aging on the balance system in older adults in across practice settings.   
• Complete an evaluation for an older adult patient with balance impairments to address the patient’s fall risk and personal goals in multiple practice settings and across various populations   
• Apply best, evidence-informed practices to examination, evaluation, and intervention for different pathologies and conditions resulting in impaired balance control to promote enhanced therapy outcomes in multiple practice settings and across various populations   
• Examine the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and communication when managing patients at risk of falls to promote best rehabilitation outcomes   
• Apply current concepts in discharge planning, aging in place, and barriers to fall prevention adherence to promote optimal outcomes in older adult patients with balance and falls conditions   
• Summarize information learned throughout the two days into a case rounds discussion to enhance clinical management of older adult patients with balance and falls conditions  

Applicability

• • Geriatric Certification

Evidence in Motion is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 6732. This blended hybrid activity is offered at 24 Contact hours/ 2.4 CEUs Intermediate, OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.