Physicourses Geriatrics

Resistance Training for the Older Adult

Hybrid Course: Video Taught by Virtual Instructor, Includes Self-Study PDF/EBook

Exercise is a therapists wheelhouse. While other wellness providers (fitness instructors, athletic trainers, etc.) routinely prescribe, establish, and update exercise programs, therapists are uniquely qualified to ensure that the special needs of older individuals and those with pathology are met both safely and effectively through exercise. A key feature of exercise prescription is that each program aspect must be undergirded by sound rationale. This course discusses research-based principles and parameters of resistance exercise prescription for older individuals. Included in this course is how to accurately assess muscle performance and prescribe resistance training exercises geared toward increasing muscle strength, power, endurance, and/or hypertrophy. This course is especially suited for physical and occupational therapists and their assistants who desire to safely increase muscle performance while effectively improving function for their patients in the shortest time available.This course is offered in a hybrid, multimedia format including a video course taught by a virtual instructor and a E-book/PDF. Please download the E-book/PDF Document in the Downloads menu, and read along with the digital presenter as they provide voice-over commentary of the course. The materials in the E-book/PDF and in the video course overview will be included on the required quiz at the end of the course to earn your CEU or CPD credits.Physicourses is an AOTA Approved Provider of profession...

Geriatric Assessment: Literature Review

Hybrid Course: Video Taught by Virtual Instructor, Includes EBook/PDF

This course provides Rehab professionals professionals with current research evidence on important topics in geriatric assessment. It is based on five recent peer-reviewed open-access articles. The first article examines issues with cultural competence in geriatric assessment of individuals from U.S. multicultural immigrant populations. The second, third, and fourth articles discuss the identification and management of frailty in older adults and provide information about frailty scales. The final article presents a systematic review of balance and strength tests used with younger seniors (60 to 70 years of age). The information presented in this course will be useful in clinical practice to any Rehab professional who treats older adults.This course is offered in a hybrid, multimedia format including a video course with a virtual instructor and a E-book/PDF. Please download the E-book/PDF Document in the Downloads menu, and read along with the digital presenter as they provide voice-over commentary of the course. The materials in the E-book/PDF and in the video course overview will be included on the required quiz at the end of the course to earn your CEU or CPD credits.Physicourses is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6295. This distance learning-independent course is offered at 0.6 CEUs Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Dementia Care—Patient and Family Considerations: Literature Review

Hybrid Course: Video Taught by Virtual Instructor, Includes EBook/PDF

The worldwide population is aging, and diagnosed cases of dementia are on the rise. Appropriate dementia care often includes a focus not only on the patient, but also on the family. This course, based on four recent peer-reviewed open-access articles, provides Rehab professionals with current information on topics focused on this vital aspect of care. The first article examines differing approaches to understanding personhood and discusses ways of approaching care for the person with dementia that may limit the extent of disability in the face of cognitive decline. The second and third articles are systematic reviews that examine shared decision-making in dementia care and family relationships of patients with dementia. The final article is a qualitative study that examines how long-term comorbidity self-management is experienced and negotiated by people with dementia and their caregivers. This course will help any Rehab professional who treats older adults with dementia to be a more knowledgeable, compassionate, and thoughtful member of the healthcare team, and thus improve the patient experience.This course is offered in a hybrid, multimedia format including a video course taught by a virtual instructor and a E-book/PDF. Please download the E-book/PDF Document in the Downloads menu, and read along with the digital presenter as they provide voice-over commentary of the course. The materials in the E-book/PDF and in the video course overview will be included on the required q...

Exercise as Intervention in Geriatrics: Literature Review

Exercise interventions are essential elements in the geriatric treatment toolbox. This course, based on six recent peer-reviewed open-access articles, provides rehab professionals with current evidence-based information on exercise as intervention in the areas of fall prevention; Alzheimers disease; and a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, and low back pain. These articles include systematic reviews, meta analyses, and review articles by significant international clinicians and researchers. The information presented in this course will be immediately useful in evidence-based clinical practice for all rehab professionals who treat older patients.This course is offered in a hybrid, multimedia format including a video course overview and a E-book/PDF. Please download the E-book/PDF Document in the Downloads menu, and read along with the digital presenter as they provide voice-over commentary of the course. The materials in the E-book/PDF and in the video course overview will be included on the required quiz at the end of the course to earn your CEU or CPD credits.Physicourses is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6295. This distance learning-independent course is offered at 1.0 CEUs Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

I Hurt Because I’m Old: Really? by EIM

Ever heard: I hurt because I have arthritis! Is it true? This idea that the health (and age) of our tissues is correlated to pain is fundamentally flawed. If this was the case, then only older patients should hurt and younger patients should not hurt! This misbelief and self-limiting perception powerfully impact the experience of pain and outlook for older adults. As the United States population ages, and physical therapy take its rightful place in the assessment and treatment of older adults, we must reevaluate our pain paradigms in the elderly. It is overwhelmingly shown that older patients do hurt, but not because they are old, but because they stop moving. Fear-avoidance and pain catastrophizing, powerfully driven by these misbeliefs regarding aging powerfully limits movement. Recent pain neuroscience education (PNE) research has shown that normalizing pain beliefs, including the role of aging and pain, powerfully influences movement, pain and disability even in older adults. In this lecture we will explore the myth of aging and pain, evolution and evidence for PNE and showcase how various ready-to-use metaphors can help older adults understand pain better and facilitate much-needed movement.

Sports Across the Ages by EIM

This course provides current best evidence for the young, the aging, and the master or senior athlete including basic science (physiology) of growth/maturation, implications for sports participation and performance, rehabilitation, and the relationship to common injuries in each of these populations.

Strength Training in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Paul Frizelle PT DPT, MS, OCS, MTC, AIB-VR, CSCS, PES, CES

Sarcopenia (muscular atrophy related to aging and sedentary lifestyle) is one of the most common geriatric syndromes compromising the function of up to 40% of the aging population. Sarcopenia contributes to decreased gait speed, reduced grip strength, increased fall risk, and functional decline. This muscular dysfunction is best treated through the prescription of progressive resistance exercise. The individuals best positioned in the health care system to treat this health issue are rehabilitation professionals, especially those who are encountering these individuals while managing injury, illness, or long-term declines in function. This webinar will improve your understanding of how to prescribe strength training for the geriatric patient. Participants will learn how to immediately apply these strategies to improve functional tasks like stair negotiation, walking endurance, bed mobility, and transfers. Differences in types of strength prescription and types of strength exercises will be defined to help understand the application in rehabilitation. Attendees will be able to immediately take this information and apply it in their existing rehabilitation programs to improve the outcomes for their patients.Highlights Accurately prescribe strength training for your geriatric patients Functional exercise for strength vs. exercise to build strength levels

ACSM Guidelines for Exercise for Special Populations

Julie Barnett, PT, DPT, MTC

Prescribing exercise safely under the American College ofSports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines is very important for special populations. Individuals recovering from COVID-19 will require specialized exercise guidance using our backgrounds as therapists in exercise and pathology to make the best evidenced-based recommendations for their health. The 50,000 ACSM professionals in sports medicine and exercise science fields share a common purpose – advance health through science, education, and medicine. The details are important. Guidelines and realistic goals can motivate and guide your treatments for your patients to reach their activity goals. This course will guide you through theACSM guidelines and criteria for special populations. Participants will review the most impactful exercise prescriptions and outcomes instruments to measure physical activity. After the completion of this course, therapists will be better equipped to confidently treat special populations with positive outcomes.Highlights ACSM purpose for exercise guidelines and the criteria for special populations Effectively incorporate more exercise into your treatments Best practices for outcome instruments to use when measuring physical activity Review popular wearable tracking devices to assist in motivating patients

Exercise in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD, GCS

The latest practice analysis identifies over 53% of rehabilitation patients are over the age of 65 years. Many of these older adults have functional limitations due to the fact that older adults are generally less physically active than their younger counterparts or due to difficulties returning to normal function following illness or injury. Exercise is a non- pharmacological intervention that can have beneficial effects on multiple domains of function. However, the application of exercise by health care professionals is often under-dosed leading to minimal changes in this patient population. Older adults can pose unique challenges for clinicians due to their sedentary lifestyle and potential for complex medical history. Rehabilitation professionals are experts in movement science and should play an integral role in prescription of appropriate physical activity to ensure maximal levels of success with older adults, so we need to do better for this new majority of patients. This course will provide you with a better understanding of primary aging processes that may affect an older adult's functional status. An evidence-based approach for exercise prescription will be discussed to ensure that exercise science principles are used during plan of care development.Highlights Practical application of exercise prescription in older adults that you can use the next day Effective, evidence-based interventions to ensure positive outcomes in older adults

Assessment and Treatment Strategies for Dementia, Delirium, and Depression

Toni Patt, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS

One in four patients admitted to an acute care hospital have dementia. Delirium superimposed on those patients accounts for 65% of cases diagnosed with delirium. Thirty percent of all older adults have a diagnosis of depression at any given time. These diagnoses frequently occur together and often are mistaken for one another. Therapists working with older adults will treat patients with these diagnoses more often than one would think, so it is important they be prepared to properly assess patients with one or more of these issues to optimize treatment planning. This course will examine each diagnosis, discuss the similarities and differences of the three, and provide guidelines for treatments.Highlights Distinguish between dementia, delirium and depression when occur simultaneously in patients Treatment plans that incorporate the components of each process to improve outcomes Communication strategies for patients with impaired cognition

Caring for Dementia Patients

Anysia Ensslen-Boggs, Ed.D., M.S., CCC-SLP

Dementia is a broad term for a decline in mental ability that is significant enough to interfere with a person's daily life. Over 5 million Americans are living with dementia; someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease every 65seconds. This number is expected to double by 2030, and triple by 2050. Since there is no cure for dementia, this disease results in a progressive decline of cognitive and functional skills. Many individuals with dementia also experience behavioral changes, decreased safety awareness, difficulty eating/swallowing, and decreased independence completing activities of daily living (ADLs). This course is designed for therapists and healthcare professionals so that they may improve outcomes, safety, and quality of life for individuals and their caregivers living with dementia. This course will teach functional and evidence-based techniques, interventions, and education/training strategies. Participants will learn about assessments and screening tools which may be used at all stages of progressive cognitive decline, and how to use those tools to develop individualized treatment plans. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary treatment, documentation challenges, improving patient safety, and caregiver education.Highlights Improve your knowledge of the physical and cognitive implications of dementia in order to more effectively implement evidence-based treatment approaches Use evidence-based treatment approaches to increase participation in d...

Stroke Rehab in the Home and Outpatient Settings

Mary Vanesko MOT, OTR/L, CIMI, CPY and Katie O'Shea, PT, DPT, MBA, GCS, CDP

According to the CDC, stroke causes 1 of every 20 deaths in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in theUnited States. Despite the increase in technology, physical and occupational therapists are frequently called upon to collaboratively plan for post-acute care services. This course will focus on discipline-specific interventions in the inpatient home and outpatient setting as well as collaborative interdisciplinary approach to care, while minimizing duplication services. This course is aimed to provide a systematic approach to understanding the home and outpatient examination and implementation of plan of care for the patient who has suffered from a stroke. The attendees will take home specific strategies to provide comprehensive evaluations and focus on functional outcomes. Through interdisciplinary discussion and real-life case studies, attendees will make insightful and accurate recommendations for the next level of care.Highlights Implement an effective evaluation and treatment for the stroke patient in the home or out-patient setting Safely apply individualized interdisciplinary assessment and intervention in the home and outpatient setting with patients who have suffered from a strokeEffective recommendations for discharge plans from the home and outpatient settings, and referral to community services

Stroke Rehab in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting

Mary Vanesko, MOT, OTR/L, CIMI, CPY`s Katie O'Shea, PT, DPT, MBA, GCS, CDP

According to the CDC, stroke causes 1 of every 20 deaths in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in theUnited States. Despite the in-crease in technology, physical and occupational therapists are frequently called upon to collaboratively plan for post-acute care services. This course will focus on discipline-specific interventions in the inpatient rehab setting as well as collaborative interdisciplinary approaches to care, while minimizing duplication services. The goal for this course is to provide a systematic approach to understanding the inpatient rehab examination and implementation of POC for the patient who has suffered from a stroke. Attendees will take home specific strategies to provide comprehensive evaluations and focus on functional outcomes. Through interdisciplinary discussion and real-life case studies, attendees will make insightful and accurate recommendations for the next level of care.Highlights Implementing an effective evaluation and treatment for the patient by fully understanding the impact of stroke pathology in the rehab setting Safely apply individualized interdisciplinary assessment and intervention in the rehab setting with patients who have suffered from a stroke Promote safe and effective disposition recommendations and discharge plans from the post-acute setting in complicated cases

Stroke Rehab in the Acute Care Setting

According to the CDC, stroke causes 1 of every 20 deaths in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in theUnited States. Despite the increase in technology, physical and occupational therapists are frequently called upon to collaboratively plan for post-acute care services. This course will focus on discipline-specific interventions in the acute caresetting as well as collaborative interdisciplinary approach to care, while minimizing duplication of services. This course is aimed to provide a systematic approach to understanding the acute care examination and implementation of POC for the patient who has suffered from a stroke. The attendees will take home specific strategies to provide comprehensive evaluations and focus on functional outcomes. Through interdisciplinary discussion and real-life case studies, attendees will make insightful and accurate recommendations for the next level of care.Highlights Pathology of different types of strokes to implement an effective evaluation and treatment for the patientSafely apply individualized interdisciplinary assessment and intervention in the acute care setting with patients who have suffered from a stroke Promote safe and effective disposition recommendations and discharge plans from the acute care setting in complicated cases

Effective Rehabilitation Approaches for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Naseem Chatiwala, PT, DPT, MS, NCS

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world with approximately 930,000 people living with it in the United States. Patients with Parkinson's present with a wide range of complexities that originate from direct consequences of the disease, but also from medicinal side effects and lack of activity. In addition to having motor impairments of dyskinesia, postural instability, imbalance, rigidity, tremors, gait impairments, patients with PD also have difficulty in other areas of personal and contextual factors like coping strategies, attitudes, as well as social and societal interactions. One of the most serious disability symptoms of patients with Parkinson's is freezing of gait (FOG) with almost 80% of patients experiencing it. Medication has been the traditional go to for management of Parkinson's. However, the patient still poses risk of deterioration on physical function, activities of daily living, and participation in social interactions. This can lead to inactivity, social isolation and reduced quality of life. Therefore a wide variety of health professionals need to work collaboratively and be educated on the latest rehabilitation strategies to effectively and efficiently address patient goals and function in this unique population.Highlights Physiology of typical and atypical presentation of Parkinson's disease Review assessment tools validated to assess function in patients with Parkinson's disease Effective techniques to he...

Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Assessment, and Treatment

Anysia Ensslen-Boggs, Ed.D., M.S., CCC-SLP

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over several years. The progression of symptoms is often quite different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rated complications from PD as the 14th cause of death in the United States. Although there is no cure, treatment options can include medications, surgeries, physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy. While Parkinson's itself is not fatal, disease complications can be serious. It is possible to have a good to great quality of life while living with PD. The first step to living well with Parkinson's disease is to understand the nature of the disease and its progression. As rehabilitation professionals, it is important for us to understand the causes of PD, early signs of PD, movement and non-movement symptoms, and the various diagnosis and treatment options for those living with PD.Highlights Causes and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and how they can affect aspects of diagnosis and treatment within your specific discipline Diagnostic and therapeutic options when designing functional treatment plans for patients with Parkinson's disease

Rehabilitation Considerations in Geriatric Oncology

Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CES, CSST, CDCS, CORE

Age is the single most significant risk factor for developing cancer, with 60% of all newly diagnosed malignant tumors and 70% of all cancer deaths occurring in persons 65 years or older (Korc-Grodzicki & Tew, 2017). Increased survival, along with a rise in new diagnoses of cancer among older adults, makes geriatric cancer patients the largest proportion of the population of cancer survivors in the United States (Extermann, 2020). Therefore, clinicians working with the older adult population are charged with understanding cancer treatment paired with the unique needs of the aging individual. This course will improve your understanding of these distinct rehabilitation needs of the older adult with cancer to enable you to provide effective treatment options to enhance overall quality of life in your daily practice.Highlights Immediately improve your understanding of the unique rehabilitation needs of the older adult with cancer Confidently provide safe, effective, and age-friendly treatment options for older adults receiving medical intervention for cancer

Nutrition Management for Dementia Patients

Jennifer Darby, PT, DPT, GCS, CCN, CPAHA, CEEAA

Worldwide, 50 million individuals have dementia, with 10 million new cases each year. In the older adult population, dementia is a major cause of dependence and disability. Roughly 50% of caregivers in the United States who care for older adults are providing for individuals with dementia. Nutrition is not what typically comes to mind when people think about dementia. However, nutrition is central to caring for those with dementia. A nutrition program for dementia that considers health, independence, and quality of life can profoundly enhance the lives of those living with dementia. This course will explore nutritional considerations for patients with dementia and other cognitive challenges and present the practitioner ideas that they will be able to incorporate into a comprehensive treatment program.HighlightsConfidently address nutrition and general nutritional recommendations set forth by the FDAEnhance your patient's treatment and recovery by adding a nutritional component to your overall plan of care

Managing the Complex Presentations of Parkinson's Disease

Meredith Roberts Lo, PT, DPT

Close to 1 million people have Parkinson's in the U.S. This results in over $52 billion spent on health care and lost wages according to the Parkinson's Foundation's recent study. As therapists we are seeing more and more individuals not only with typical Parkinson's but more complex movement disorders. Are your treatment strategies effective enough or are you throwing darts at the wall? Our interventions must be specific and intense to reduce the risk of falls and return patients to their ADLs effectively and quickly. With the right understanding of complex motor control impairments and treatment tools you can optimize your outcomes and continue to be reimbursed for therapy. Avoid banging your head against the wall and get the treatment techniques you need to help optimize your patients' outcomes in Parkinson's. Go beyond the basics.This workshop will enhance your basic understanding of Parkinson's disease and allow you to optimize your patient outcomes in this complex movement disorder. No two patients are alike, and atypical Parkinson's disease often shows up in our patient presentations along with difficult to manage motor and non-motor impairments. These symptoms can often limit the effectiveness of our interventions.Throughout this course we will examine key components of complex movement disorders to understand them more fully. Through case and video examples we will apply treatment strategies that are effective, and evidence based. At the end of this course, you will ...

Functional Testing & Assessment for Older Adults

T. Daniel Walters PT, DPT, GCS

Disability varies greatly among the older adult population. This variability creates challenges in identifying appropriate outcome measures that can accurately reflect performance. Errors in clinical decision-making can lead to greater disability, higher healthcare costs, and the inability to justify skilled service. It is anticipated that third party payers will move toward performance-based reimbursement, so it is important that clinicians begin to maximize clinical outcomes by using practical assessment tools for this rapidly growing older population. The ability to recognize which tools may best reflect progress through comprehensive examination and assessment is vital in justifying skilled services, reducing disability, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life among older adults.This workshop features lecture presentations, photos and videos, live demonstrations, interactive hands-on labs, quick reference handouts, case studies and open discussion. It will enable clinicians to identify practical outcome measures that will accurately reflect the effectiveness of skilled service and exercise prescription on the various aging populations.Through assessment and interpretation of current evidence- based outcome measures, clinicians will be able to develop treatment plans, better predict needs of patients and maximize performance.HighlightsComprehensive testing measures that will quickly and accurately reflect performance in most clinical settings for various ag...

Rehab for the Functional Aging Adult

Andrew Morgan, PT, DPT, MBA

The population of older adults in the United States continues to grow, but many of those adults are staying active well into their 80s. Studies show that an active lifestyle can slow the "normal" age-related changes that older adults frequently experience. Reducing fall risk and improving functional independence are essential roles of the home health therapist. Stay current with effective treatment approaches to improve outcomes and your patients' quality of life.This course will explain that while no longer playing football, the geriatric "athlete" can be viewed through a sports medicine lens. Clinicians just need to understand the"sport". This practical one-day course will provide easy to implement therapeutic exercises and interventions in order to yield optimal outcomes. Participants will learn through the use of lab* techniques, case studies, and problem-based learning strategies. Clinicians will return to their clinics or patients' homes with new ways to progress patients and improve long- term adherence to exercise programs.*Hands on lab will be modified for Web based delivery formats into recorded demonstrationsHighlightsUnderstand "normal" age-related changes and what we can do to slow themImmediate, quick, and easy modifications to therapeutic exercises to progress patients and improve adherenceGain a multidisciplinary approach of assessment to get the most out of your treatment for issues such as bariatrics, neurological disorders, respiratory issues, cancer, chron...

Evidence-Based Techniques to Build Your Parkinson's Disease Toolbox

Meredith Roberts, PT, DPT

Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease can get better and stay better; however, no two people with Parkinson's are alike. This presents unique challenges to the therapist spanning physical, emotional, cognitive and socialdomains. All too often therapists are not equipped with the proper knowledge on how to adapt and create the most optimal assessment and exercise plan for patients with Parkinson's disease. With the proper knowledge, the therapist can obtain consistent positive outcomes and empower your clients to live their best life.This hands-on workshop will provide therapists with practical and effective tools to make a difference the next session with a patient with Parkinson's disease. Participants will understand the barriers to obtaining positive outcomes and leap over them with hands-on application, case study review and discussion. Participants will leave with the confidence to produce evidence-based interventions that will improve therapeutic outcomes while working with patients with Parkinson's disease.HighlightsImmediately improve your clients functional mobility and ADLs using practical and effective treatment techniquesBecome knowledgeable of the latest research and pharmacological considerations for Parkinson's diseaseLearn how to convert your assessment into successful treatment strategies that produce positive outcomes in each sessionHands-on lab training to address the most challenging symptoms including freezing of gait, duel tasking and other physica...

Effective Geriatric Rehab

Andy McCormick, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Geriatric patients comprise the great majority of physical and occupational therapists' caseload daily and will continue to do so for the next 20-30 years. Today's AARP and post- boomer activity enthusiasts are asking more of their bodies and in turn are asking more of their rehab specialists when the result is injury. Whether it is difficulty walking or climbing stairs, doing housework or yard work or just getting out of bed, the geriatric patient often challenges the most experienced clinician. Increasing the therapist's ability to accurately identify sources of dysfunction will serve to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care by indicating the most appropriate and effective treatment protocol.This dynamic one-day seminar will cover best-practice evaluation and screening techniques that are essential in every therapist's clinical toolbox. Dr. McCormick will cover outcome measure selection and application for area-specific dysfunction as well as how to apply the findings for effective treatment. Attendees will develop manual therapy skills that can be effectively combined with functional training. Participants will learn to use the most current evidence-based functional testing procedures and how to apply their findings. Case studies and demonstration will show effective progression principles that can be used at work the next day.HighlightsChoosing and using functional outcome measures in all settingsThe importance of "Test don't guess"Improve functional goal set...

Evidence-Based Strategies for Clients with Dementia

Lisa Young Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP, RAC- CT

5.8 million people in the U.S. are living with dementia, and this number is expected to be 3 times greater by 2050. Thus, people with dementia will continue to be a significant part of our therapy caseloads, so it is important that we understand the evidence of how therapy can be most beneficial to these clients. Equally important is the ongoing education for our healthcare team members and our clients' family members. Such evidence promotes the use of each client's unique characteristics, life history, functional abilities, and strength- based approaches. Clinicians who are empowered with the recommended resources and understanding of such strategies will be equipped to make a significant difference in the lives of people who are living with dementia.This workshop will share comprehensive resources with all participants and include the application of evidence-based research for day to day practical strategies. Each segment will include hands-on approaches and interactive discussion to maximize skills for strategies that can immediately be put into practice. Participants will be able to implement such approaches with their clients at all levels, stages, and types of dementia.HighlightsCognitive, motor, and psychosocial differences between different types of diseases causing dementiaStrength-based tasks and compensatory strategies based on a person's assessed stage of dementiaRecommended pain assessments when a person with dementia is non-verbal and is in middle or late stages...

Therapists Rehabilitation Strategies for Dementia Patients

Anysia Ensslen-Boggs, Ed.D., M.S., CCC-SLP

Dementia is a broad term for a decline in mental ability that is significant enough to interfere with a person's daily life. Over 5 million Americans are living with dementia; someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease every 65 seconds. This number is expected to double by 2030, and triple by 2050. Since there is no cure for dementia, this disease results in a progressive decline of cognitive and functional skills. Many individuals with dementia also experience behavioral changes, decreased safety awareness, difficulty eating/swallowing, and decreased independence completing ADLs. This course is designed for therapists and healthcare professionals so that they may improve outcomes, safety, and quality of life for individuals and their caregivers living with dementia.This course will facilitate learning about functional and evidence-based techniques, interventions, and education/training strategies. Participants will learn about assessments and screening tools which may be used at all stages of progressive cognitive decline, and how to use those tools to develop individualized treatment plans. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary treatment, documentation challenges, improving patient safety, and caregiver education.HighlightsTypes of dementia and the neuroscience behind themConfidently examine physical and cognitive implications of dementia in order to more effectively implement evidence-based treatment approachesDevelop functional treatment plans for th...

Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Osteopenia

Jennifer Darby PT, DPT, GCS, CPAHA, CEEAA

It is now estimated that one-third of the United States population has reported having a musculoskeletal disease. With the prevalence of this disease continuing to grow, it is important that therapists are equipped to positively impact quality of life and function for these patients. While exercise prescriptions are a very important component of treatment, it is also critical that we understand the positive and negative impact that nutrition, diet, and medications can play in the progressions of patient outcomes. Gaining an understanding in this area will promote the best treatment plan possible for improving pain, posture and function.This relevant, one-day workshop will focus on a comprehensive approach to effectively treating common musculoskeletal disease. Participants will review the latest research, biology, and common patient populations at risk for these diseases. Nutrition, diet, and the digestive process will be analyzed so that an understanding can be gained of how to play a positive role in this area. Pharmacological considerations will be evaluated to help participants recognize how these can effect exercise treatment. Participants will leave having the best practices for assessment and treatment of patients with arthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia. Participants will take away exercise and strengthening considerations that will promote functional improvement for pain, posture, flexibility and overall quality of life.HighlightsUtilizing the most optimal exercis...