Navigating Cognitive Decline with Safer Homes, Stronger Caregiving

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 11.6% of adults aged 65 and older experience subjective cognitive declines- defined as worsening memory problems over the past year. Of those, over half live alone and more than one-third report limitations in daily activities such as cooking, managing medications, or navigating their home safely. As our seniors age, prevalenceof at least one or more chronic conditions further complicates one's ability to maintain independence in their home and although dementia is not considered a normal part of aging, risks of cognitive decline do increase with age. Per the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 13.1% of adults age85 or older report a diagnosis of a dementia condition as compared to only 5.7% of adults aged 75-84 reporting a cognitive decline related to dementia. This is in contrast, to only 1.7% of adults aged 65-84 report the same.

Based on the above statistics, this validates the need for early intervention and home safety planning as individuals approach their late 70s and beyond. Physical and Occupational Therapy can be key in assisting seniors manage such challenges. Cognitive decline is more than deterioration in mental abilities such as memory, attention,reasoning, and language but, the impact on day-to-day activities. This change is referred to as functional cognition and the integration of cognitive processes such as memory, attention, executive function, and metacognition with motor and performance skills to complete real-world tasks. It's not just about what someone knows, but how they apply that knowledge to everyday activities like cooking, managingmedications, or navigating their home safely.

This course will explore how physical and occupational therapy interventions can be strategically integrated into asenior's care plan to support safe, meaningful aging at home. We will review environmental risk assessment tools and advances in smart-home technology, home modifications, safety tools, patient monitoring, and family/caregiver-focused training.

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

Highlights

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of functional cognitive decline on the older adult's daily routines and safety within the home environment
• Review physical and occupational therapy environmental risk assessments to determine an appropriate plan of care to assist the older adult to age in place
• Explore advances in smart-home technology, home modifications, safety tools and patient monitoring devices
• Additional tools and techniques to better support the family and caregiver training process