Falls and Balance Disorders

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death as well as nonfatal injuries in adults age 65 and older. It's estimated that more than half of these adults fall at least once a year and the rates of fall-related deaths have risen significantly over the past 10 years. Hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities can face legal precedents from fines to regulatory actions depending on any environmental hazards, the physical state of the client and other factors related to the fall. A fall can further debilitate geriatric clients by decreasing cognitive and physical conditions, ADL function, and potentially more serious disabilities if a fractureis incurred. A comprehensive evaluation, assessment and treatment approach can substantially improve the quality andyears of life for a geriatric patient.

This comprehensive workshop will provide you with techniques and tools to help you to identify clients most atrisk for falls and to understand the risk factors for fall-related incidents. You will review and understand the most current assessment and multi-factorial based interventions that target underlying reasons for falls, along with the most effective treatments for post-fall clients. In addition, you will learn howemerging technologies are impacting assessment andtreatment and how to adapt these to fall victims. Afterattending this workshop you will return to your practice or facility with effective and proven strategies to identify fall risk factors, reduce the incidence of falls, and improve the quality of life for fall patients.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants

Highlights

• Fall risk factors, who is at risk and the major impact on healthcare
• Assessment Tools: What's proven to work, what's newand the latest in technology
• Evaluation: Impact of Vestibular and Vision impairment, Differential Diagnoses, and performing a comprehensive exam
• Techniques and strategies for the most functional and effective geriatric care
• Develop a comprehensive fall prevention plan applicable in SNFs, Inpatient, LTC, HomeCare, and Rehab Settings
• Experience the Assessments, Evaluations and Treatments yourself for clinical application