Balance and Falls in the Elderly Population

Course overview

According to the CDC, 3 million older people are treated in the emergency room each year due to injuries related to falls. From 2007 to 2016, falls increased by 30 %. Physical and occupational therapy programs help build strength, coordination, and neuromuscular coordination to decrease falls in the elderly population This course presents evidence-based research and clinically proven techniques to maximize safe, functional movement with the aging population. This vestibular and balance rehab course is an essential resource for clinicians working with the older population with orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary diagnoses to understand the many factors that can lead to dysfunctional movement and increased fall risk. The clinician will learn to identify which evidence-based assessment tools to use in specific circumstances, and how to interpret the results for developing individualized programs to improve mobility and decrease falls. This is an intermediate-level course applicable to PT, PTA, OT, and AT. Physical Therapy Accreditation: For specific state information, use the accreditation verification menu and select your state of license. AOTA: provider #4487, Occupational therapy professional development activity: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery, evaluation and intervention, and Foundation Knowledge: human body, development, and behavior. Athletic Trainers: BOC provider #P2047, category A. This course has not been submitted for Evidence-Based BOC approval.