Multidimensional Functional Assessment of the Older Adult, 2nd edition

Course overview

The purpose of this basic-level course is to enable occupational therapy practitioners and other rehabilitation professionals to understand and assess functional performance in older adults using a multidimensional approach. This is an introductory course for practitioners who are new to this population or who desire a refresher on the most current evidence related to the functional assessment of older adults. Client factors (including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) and their impact on performance skills will be reviewed. Using a "top-down" approach that looks broadly at the activities in which older adults engage, this course describes the most current evidence on health changes in aging from the perspective of their impact on performance in various areas of occupation, such as activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, work/leisure, and social participation. In addition, participants will learn how contextual factors and the environment influence occupational performance. Information in this course will allow occupational therapy practitioners who work with older adults to maximize their efficiency and success in service delivery through a more evidence-based, functional approach to care.