Improving Function Through Innovative Interventions for the Most Common Problems of Older Adults

Course overview

As therapists, we are facing heightened demands to work effectively with older adults in increasingly shorter amounts of time. We are constantly being asked to up our game. The good news is that a great deal of new, clinically applicable research has been published in the past few years. The bad news is that this abundance of research can actually make it more difficult to sift through to get to the information that we need most. In this course, Linda McAllister pares down the research to the most clinically applicable nuggets that can produce the best patient results. But the true brilliance of this course is in its commitment not just to teaching new content, but to skill development. Over 50 percent of the course is devoted to practicing the techniques presented. Tests and interventions are too often overused because we know them so well and we are comfortable using them. Incorporating new knowledge, assessments and protocols into our busy practice is difficult. This course puts new tools and protocols at your fingertips, so you are comfortable implementing them right away. Equipped with research findings, Linda interacts with group participants and allows time for practice of the new techniques. This course has many wonderful home programs included that are directly based on the research studies. Lab time focuses on using new evaluation tools and treatment protocols that address 7 major diagnostic conditions commonly encountered in the older population. You will learn how to address these conditions effectively at multiple levels of function. 1. Deconditioning and generalized weakness 2. Stroke 3. Parkinsons disease 4. Peripheral neuropathy 5. Hip fracture 6. Balance and fall risk 7. Multiple orthopedic conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis and thoracic kyphosis. A section of the course is devoted to each diagnostic condition and each of these sections includes assessments that are supported by rigorous research, are easily and quickly administered, and provide specific data that help us determine treatment plans and monitor progress. Examinations are definitely addressed, but the focus of this course is primarily on interventions that have proven to be highly effective when used with older adults. You will take home over 50 new evidence based intervention protocols for older adults that you can use immediately to get great results. Protocols that can be individualized, one-repetition maximum strength testing, effective exercise dosing, functional measures, and comorbidities will be discussed. The comprehensive manual includes easy to access summaries of recently published intervention protocols for clinical use, functional tools and references, and home programs for immediate use. The surge of aging baby boomers gives us a rich opportunity as they enter our settings in unprecedented numbers. Join Linda McAllister to update your knowledge, skills and confidence in treating this population. Walk away with a toolbox full of research supported examination tools and intervention protocols and the ability to implement these innovations with confidence. What Will This Course Give Me? 1. New Intervention Techniques. You will take home over 50 new research based intervention protocols that you can use immediately to get great results with older adult patients. 2. Application skills. You will develop the skills needed to apply new, research supported evaluation and intervention techniques in your practice right away. Over 50 percent of the course is devoted to practicing the techniques presented. 3. Patient motivation skills. Learn about Motivational Interviewing and how it can increase your patients participation in the treatment plan.