Balance, Postural Control, and Falls in Older AdultsPage 2 of 11

Introduction

Image: Balance and Falls Course Introduction

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Author: Lauren Robertson, BA, MPT

Contact hours: 5.0
AOTA CEUs: 0.5
Expiration date: June 1, 2025
Course price: $39*

*Register or login when you reach the last chapter.

50% off thru 09-15-2024! Use code AMJ during payment to apply discount.

Course Summary

Discussion of the scope, morbidity, and mortality related to falls and fall risk in older adults. Strategies for assessing and preventing falls in older adults, with discussion of age-related risk factors including polypharmacy. Description of common screening and assessment tools used to identify fall risk in older adults and suggested interventions are designed to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Target Audience

Nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants*.

*If you are an OT or OTA, you may need the following information for relicensure:

AOTA Approved Provider Logo 2023 ATrain Education is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Approved provider #6558. This distance learning-independent is offered at 0.5 CEUs, introductory, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Criteria for Successful Completion

Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less than 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here

Conflict of Interest/Commercial Support Disclosure

The planners and authors of this learning activity have declared no conflicts of interest, vested interest, or financial relationship that may influence the content of this activity. All information is provided fairly and without bias.

ATrain Education, Inc. received no outside financial or commercial support in the preparation, presentation or implementation of this learning activity and has no affiliation with any company whose products or services are mentioned in this activity.

Course Objectives

When you finish this course you will be able to*:

  1. Provide definitions for balance, postural control, and falls.
  2. Describe the incidence and cost of falls in the United States.
  3. Relate 3 ways in which how nurses, rehabilitation therapists, physicians, and older adults themselves differ in their approach to fall risk and fall prevention.
  4. Summarize 5 factors that increase fall risk in older adults.
  5. Describe 3 tools used for screening and assessing fall risk in older adults.
  6. Describe the 3 main components of a comprehensive balance assessment.
  7. Outline 5 interdisciplinary interventions used to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

*Please note: attainment of course objectives will be assessed in the course evaluation.