Preventing Falls in Older Adults
60
About the Course:
An older adult falls every second of every day, with more than 29 million falls occurring in 2014, resulting in more than 7 million injuries. This intermediate-level course provides healthcare professionals in the areas of physical and occupational therapy with the knowledge they need to successfully identify those at risk for falls, assess individuals, and develop interventions targeted at reducing fall risk in older adults. Although therapists may be aware of the need to assess and treat older adults for risk for falls, they may not be fully abreast of approaches that are supported by evidence and are proven to truly reduce the incidence of falls.
Learning Objectives:
About the Author:
Sara Migliarese, PT, PhD, NCS, has been a physical therapist for more than 30 years, specializing in adult neurorehabilitation. She received her MSPT degree from Texas Woman’s University in 1985 and worked at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston before moving to North Carolina, where she practiced physical therapy at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and Gentiva Home Health Services. Dr. Migliarese received her certification in neurology from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 1995, recertification in neurology in 2005 and 2014 from the APTA, and Herdman certification in vestibular rehabilitation in 2008. She completed her doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009 and is currently an associate professor in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). Her research interests with older adults include vestibular function, fall prevention, frailty, and neurologic deficits. Dr. Migliarese teaches the adult neuromuscular rehabilitation content of the WSSU DPT program and provides patient care in pro bono community clinics, including MSFit for persons with multiple sclerosis and the Star clinic for adults with neuromuscular conditions.
How to Receive Credit:
Disclosures
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2019: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.
An older adult falls every second of every day, with more than 29 million falls occurring in 2014, resulting in more than 7 million injuries. This intermediate-level course provides healthcare professionals in the areas of physical and occupational therapy with the knowledge they need to successfully identify those at risk for falls, assess individuals, and develop interventions targeted at reducing fall risk in older adults. Although therapists may be aware of the need to assess and treat older adults for risk for falls, they may not be fully abreast of approaches that are supported by evidence and are proven to truly reduce the incidence of falls.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the definition of falls and their impact.
- Describe risk factors for falls along with age-related body changes that may contribute to that risk.
- Identify evidence-based fall risk screening tools that can be performed in the community.
- Identify evidence-based assessment tools that measure fall risk and assist in therapeutic treatment planning.
- Design therapy interventions supported by evidence-based practice that decrease fall risk and potentially prevent future falls in older adults.
About the Author:
Sara Migliarese, PT, PhD, NCS, has been a physical therapist for more than 30 years, specializing in adult neurorehabilitation. She received her MSPT degree from Texas Woman’s University in 1985 and worked at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston before moving to North Carolina, where she practiced physical therapy at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and Gentiva Home Health Services. Dr. Migliarese received her certification in neurology from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 1995, recertification in neurology in 2005 and 2014 from the APTA, and Herdman certification in vestibular rehabilitation in 2008. She completed her doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009 and is currently an associate professor in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). Her research interests with older adults include vestibular function, fall prevention, frailty, and neurologic deficits. Dr. Migliarese teaches the adult neuromuscular rehabilitation content of the WSSU DPT program and provides patient care in pro bono community clinics, including MSFit for persons with multiple sclerosis and the Star clinic for adults with neuromuscular conditions.
How to Receive Credit:
- Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 5-hour commitment of time.
- Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to complete either:
- An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity.
- A mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
- Provide required personal information and payment information.
- Complete the mandatory Self-Assessment and Course Evaluation.
- Print your Certificate of Completion.
Disclosures
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2019: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.