Falls and Balance Disorders (Gwilliam - Online)

Course overview

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 precedencies 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 fracture is incurred. A comprehensive evaluation, assessment and treatment approach can substantially improve the quality and years of life for a geriatric patient. This one-day workshop will provide you with techniques and tools to help you to identify clients most at risk 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 how emerging technologies are impacting assessment and treatment, and how to adapt these to fall victims. After attending this workshop, your 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 and your geriatric program.