Full Course Description

Home Modifications

Most people want to remain in their own homes as they age. Therapists have unique skills that allow them to identify the interaction between the client’s skills, values/goals, and the impact of the environment on their ability to perform valued or necessary activities. This session provides an introductory overview of why therapy professionals should be completing home accessibility and safety assessments and the initial steps in order to start a business completing home modifications the right way.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the research behind why occupational therapy professionals are best suited to complete home modifications.
Determine how you can address accessibility and safety in your current or future practice setting.
Develop a framework to help older adults age in place for improved quality of life.
Articulate the needs for and benefits of home accessibility and safety assessments.

Outline

Increased need for therapy services for older adults
- Review of research about increasing #s of seniors and people with disabilities
- Current state of the housing stock in the USA
- Older Adults Desire to live at home
- Impact of living at home on quality of life etc
- Benefits of seeing clients in the home
Research Supporting therapy in the Home
- Reduce Hospitalizations
- Reduce Falls
- Improve Cognition, quality of life, and mental health
- Reduce Caregiver Burden
Research Supporting Occupational Therapy Professionals as experts for Home Modifications
- Complex versus simple interventions
- Multi visit versus 1 consultation visit
- The “magic sauce” person-tasks-environment interaction that is client centered/led
Basic Steps to starting a Home Modification Business

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/31/2023

Falls: Let's Prepare For What We Can't Prevent

The numbers are staggering - hundreds of billions of dollars in medical costs every year are tied to falls. It’s more important than ever to be prepared for falls and work toward fall prevention. Dive into what the difference is and several practical ways to prevent falls in older adults. In this session, you'll learn clinical strategies you can implement tomorrow to improve outcomes as they relate to high fall-risk patients.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine best practices for prepping for falls and preventing falls.
Utilize a comprehensive assessment to better determine which patients are at risk for falling.
Construct an exercise program for older adults to enhance lower extremity and core strength, improve balance and reduce fall risk.

Outline

Fall Risk & Burden on Healthcare System
- Prevalence and incidence rates, especially among older adults
Fall Risk Screening Tools
- Outcome measures, current literature review
Strategies to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
- Proper lighting
- Home modification
- Strength
- Balance
- Footwear
- Medication review
Preparedness: Clinical Strategies to Reduce Falls
- Improving power (strength and speed)
- Improving balance systems as well as reactive posture and control
- Group/individual resources
- Government, publicly funded and private resources for clinicians, patients and caregivers

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/31/2023

Dementia Made Simple

Ever feel stuck when dealing with dementia? You are not alone. Cognitive impairment is challenging clinically, but you will learn tried-and-true techniques that will help simplify your assessment and treatment plan with dementia. Quickly determine where to focus your solution to dementia related difficulties. Dive into many pivotal topics including challenging behaviors, environment, engagement and caregiver stressors, and more! Walk away with immediate, practical and applicable strategies to treat people with dementia. Support these patients and families so they can still live their best life now.

Program Information

Objectives

Develop working knowledge of a variety of appropriate clinical assessments available for use with the dementia population to assess cognitive abilities within their scope of practice.
Evaluate the difference between normal aging and abnormal aging.
Distinguish between symptoms of depression and dementia, and how to administer the PHQ-9.
Assess the difference between palliative care and hospice care.

Outline

Analyze and Assess The Dementia Situation – How to utilize appropriate assessments within your scope of practice as related to dementia/cognitive decline
- Short Blessed Test: A Quick Screening Tool
- BCAT and The MoCA: A Quick Comparison
- Preparedness for Caregiving Scale: An Overview
- myMemCheck® : An Introduction
Implement a Solution To The Dementia Situation- How to quickly determine where to focus your solution to dementia related difficulties
- Person With Dementia:
  - How to manage common dementia related issues like eating and nutrition, sleep and insomnia, aggression, wandering and other common “challenging behaviors”
- Environment of Care:
  - How a person living with dementia’s environment can either help (or hinder) their best ability to function
  - How to develop solutions to help
- Activity Engagement:
  - How engaging in normal activities assists a person with dementia’s psycho-social well being
- Care Partner Stressors:
  - How to assess family/relationship dynamics using the Caregiver Readiness To Change scale
  - Addressing financial concerns during the dementia care journey
  - The role of care partners
- Education:
  - How to understand the difference between dementia and depression
  - How to using the PHQ-9 Depression Scale
  - Understanding the physiology of normal aging and abnormal aging
  - Understanding the end of life care issues related to dying with dementia
  - Know the difference between palliative care and hospice care
Modify and/or Maintain The Dementia Strategies- Putting it all together

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/30/2023

Pain Management: A Guide to Helping Older Individuals Manage Pain

Pain can be challenging as a therapist as it directly impacts participation in activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and overall quality of life. In this session, you’ll explore the secondary complications related to inadequate management of pain, so that you’re better equipped to create your treatment plan. Learn about common medications, their benefits, side effects, and potential impact on therapeutic outcomes. Discover nonpharmacological interventions for pain management as well as their benefits, barriers to implementation, and potential impact on overall quality of life.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the different types of pain.
Determine major diseases that has high incidences of pain as a symptom.
Determine a variety of non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce pain.
Assess approved pharmacological interventions that can reduce pain and how that can impact your interventions.

Outline

Implications for Pain on Lifestyle/ADL
- Reduce participation in meaningful activities
- Risk for secondary complications
  - Substance abuse
  - Psychiatric disorders
  - Immobility
  - Risk of falls
  - Malnutrition
- Types of Pain
  - Acute
  - Chronic
  - Neuropathic
  - Nociceptive
  - Radicular
- Prevalence in specific common diseases:
  - Arthritis
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Diabetes
  - A herniated disc in the neck or back
  - Cancer
  - Chronic migraine headaches
  - A compressed or pinched nerve
  - Sciatica
  - Chronic fatigue syndrome
  - Heart attack
  - Stroke
Common Medications for Pain Management
- Opioids
- Anticonvulsants (medications that prevent seizures) for nerve pain
- Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants
- Corticosteroid
- Muscle relaxers
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen
- Topicals that contain pain relievers or ingredients that create soothing heat or cold
- Sedatives to help with anxiety or insomnia
- Medical marijuana
- Pycnogenol
- Impact and risks of polypharmacy
Non-Pharma Solutions for Pain
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Yoga
- MBSR
- Lifestyle redesign
- Modalities
- Manual therapy
- Nutrients and Nutraceutical

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

Older Adults and Mental Health

High rates of mental health issues often go hand in hand with age related decline. In this session, you'll learn how to assess mental and emotional health with your geriatric patients so that you can optimize your treatment plan in various settings including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, home health, outpatient, and community practice. You'll also learn how to design client-centered interventions that improve emotional wellness for older adult populations alongside referral strategies that enhance the collaboration of the interprofessional team.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine 3 tools to appropriately assess mental health.
Analyze their current mental health interventions frequently utilized in practice.
Demonstrate selection of effective intervention strategies.
Apply referral strategies relevant to their practice setting.

Outline

Assessment Techniques to Streamline Your Treatment Plan
- Depression and anxiety
  - PHQ-9
  - GAD – 7
  - DASS
- Scoring and results
- Development for organizational protocols
Client-Centered Interventions to Optimize Geriatric Health and Well-Being
- Therapeutic use of self
- Development of routines
- Assistive technology
- Potential barriers across settings
- Payer implications and accessibility
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Referrals
Case Studies

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/30/2023

Wheelchair Evaluations and the Geriatric Population

This session will review the process of obtaining a wheelchair for a client, working with a DME provider, and best practices for billing and developing a plan of care.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the process of obtaining a wheelchair through Medicare for a client.
Assess the components of the wheelchair evaluation process for the therapist.
Evaluate the relationship with the ATP in this process.
Appraise the research behind deciding on basic wheelchair components.
Determine possible outcome measures for the plan of care and the LCD and billing guidelines from CMS.

Outline

The Medicare Wheelchair Process
- Medicare process description
- Timeline
- LCD summary
- Billing guidelines
Different team members in the process
- MD
- Therapist
- ATP
- Skin care/wound care professional
The Wheelchair Evaluation overview
- Assessment in home versus clinic
- Key components
- LMN and customization
- Working with different DME companies
- Should there be a follow up visit?
- Outcome measures
Research behind seating recommendations
- Factors to consider in geriatric seating choices
- Skilled nursing challenges

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

Vulnerable Adult Reporting Vs. Welfare Check

From financial scams to family violence, therapists are often on the front line in the identification of a vulnerable adult. In this session, you’ll explore the different kinds of elder abuse, red flags to look out for and strategies to effectively screen for abuse. Learn the critical differences between vulnerable adult reporting and a welfare check as you develop your action plan as part of the multidisciplinary care team.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate abuse and the various types.
Investigate risk factors, signs, and symptoms of elder abuse.
Determine when it is appropriate to file a vulnerable adult report and/or welfare check.
Develop action steps for therapists following filing a vulnerable adult.

Outline

How to Screen for Elder Abuse
- Types of abuse and prevalence of abuse
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Common signs of abuse
- Risk factors: diagnoses, relationships, societal
- Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI)
- What’s changed since COVID 19?
The Role and Action Steps for Therapists
- Difference between a welfare check and filing a vulnerable adult
- Roles of therapists in identifying abuse, reporting, and evaluating an unsafe living environment
- Strategies to enhance protective factors at all levels:
- Individual
- Relationship
- Community
- Importance of interdisciplinary communication
- Resources for caregivers
- Beyond reporting – what’s next?

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/30/2023

Trismus Management Following Head and Neck Cancer

More common than you may realize - radiation associated dysphagia occurs in 30-50% of head and neck cancer patients! In this session, you'll learn how to assess and evaluate trismus alongside strategies for individualized exercise management. With a better understanding of how to work with/around pain coupled with exercise progressions and self-monitoring strategies, you will help patients enhance and regain function.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess components of a comprehensive trismus assessment.
Determine risk factors for osteoradionecrosis.
Determine which patients are at risk for trismus.

Outline

Trismus
- Assessment
- Evaluation
- Timing of trismus
Management of Trismus
- Exercise physiology principles
- Devices utilized in clinic
- Considerations for Specific Diagnoses
- Individualized exercise management
- Progressing exercises
- Long term self-patient monitoring
- Risk factors of osteoradionecrosis/ORN

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

The Impact of Medicare Reimbursement on Therapy Provision

In the last few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) has proposed numerous value-based payment models, and they don’t seem to be slowing down. Some of these changes have drastically changed how we provide therapy in post-acute care settings leaving many clinicians wondering, "What is therapy's role in adult rehabilitation?" As fee-for-service models are phased out, practitioners must reflect on how they can provide the same quality of care with fewer visits.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the primary definition of value-based care and how it differs from volume-based care.
Assess the primary therapy reimbursement models for post-acute care settings.
Determine at least two ways to advocate for therapy's role in value-based care.

Outline

Key Players and Goals in VBC
- Volume Based Care
- From theory to law: the evolution of value based care
- Transitioning to Value-Based Care
Quality Strategy and Goals
- CMS Quality Strategies
- The impact of the IMPACT Act
- Post-Acute Care Quality Measurement
- Post-Acute Care Settings and Reimbursement Models
The Future of Value-Based Care
- Demonstrating and advocating for our value
- Using quality measures to your advantage
- Adjusting practice in response to reimbursement
- What’s next? Unified Post-Acute Care Payment

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/31/2023

You are more than a Geriatric Therapist! How to think Bigger

Your unique skillset is in DEMAND and your opportunities are vast. There’s so much more than the clinical role in a traditional setting such as skilled nursing, rehab hospital, and home health. In this session, we’ll explore trends occurring now and in the future, discuss how therapy professionals like you can make a bigger impact with the geriatric population, and provide ideas for programs and business opportunities that therapists can create and develop to help them move beyond the traditional therapist role.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess the trends occurring in the geriatric population now and in the future.
Determine how therapy professionals can make a bigger impact with the geriatric population.
Investigate potential programs and business opportunities that take therapists beyond the clinical role.

Outline

Assess trends occurring in the geriatric population
- Current & Future
Current State of Geriatric Therapy Practice
Identification of the major problem areas concerning the geriatric population and how therapy professionals can help solve these problems
Breakdown of potential programs and business opportunities

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

UE Mirror Therapy for Stroke Rehab: What’s Behind the Reflection?

Mirror therapy improves motor function for various neurological impairments. Learn everything needed to implement this evidence-based intervention into your practice today. With cost-effective and proven interventions, mirror therapy improves motor control, sensory awareness and ADL performance while reducing pain, visual-spatial neglect and spasticity. When integrating visual feedback provided by mirror therapy, you can stimulate neuroplasticity and accelerate recovery for stroke survivors.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate scientific evidence supporting the use of mirror therapy to improve arm function in stroke survivors.
Demonstrate a mirror therapy protocol for clinical use.
Determine at least one benefit of using mirror therapy as it relates to client outcomes.

Outline

The Science of Mirror Therapy
- Brain Anatomy & Function
- Possible outcomes for practitioners, clients (client empowerment), profession
- Investigate studies about mirror therapy, effects on the brain & functional results
Mirror Therapy Protocol
- Screen for appropriateness (screening)
- Clinical Reasoning
- Baseline assessments (assessment)
- Intervention protocol (clinician & client empowerment)
- Overcoming Barriers (clinician & client)
Clinical Application Case Studies
- EXAMPLE: Home Health/Outpatient example to scaffold learning – presenter response to walk through clinical reasoning using mirror therapy
- Case Study: Subacute rehab setting
- Case Study: Private practice setting

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

Improve Your Influence and Impact in the Geriatric Industry

In this session, you will learn how to improve your influence and impact in the geriatric industry by following the MENTOR method. M is meeting a need/niche is your specific area of field. E is how to educate, empower and equip that specific niche or audience you are wanting to serve. N is how to find a Network of individuals. T is how to find a Team of Winners to win in social media. O is how to provide one on one coaching to that specific niche you are serving and R is how to find that repeat or recurring revenue to achieve financial independence.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze your talents to pursue your own practice niche.
Develop the skills to find and network with likeminded individuals at the end of the class.
Plan for recurring revenue opportunities that you can put to immediate use.
Determine how your own team of winners can be identified, to prevent burn out.

Outline

The MENTOR Method to Improve Geriatric Influence and Impact
- M - Meet a Need/Niche
- E - Educate, Empower and Equip
- N - Network
- T - Team of Winners
- O - One on One Mentorship/Coaching
- R - Repeat or Recurring Revenue

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/30/2023

Supporting Effective Driving in Retirement

How do you know if it’s time for driving retirement? In this session, you’ll learn proven assessments to better determine a client’s impairments and potential. Explore strategies to facilitate positive conversations, ease transition from the driver's seat to passenger seat, and intervention resources to support engagement in the highest, safest level of community mobility.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the role of the driving specialist in supporting clinical decisions.
Determine the key hallmark factors that signal the need for driving retirement.
Practice effective communication strategies - (the 3 R's) to facilitate driving decisions.
Assess additional resources and intervention strategies to support successful transitions.

Outline

How do we know if it's really time for driving retirement?
- Role of the rehab team versus OT driving specialist in supporting driving retirement
- Identify key hallmark factors that signal the need for driving retirement
- Strategy for effective driving retirement conversations
Driver Assessment & Rehab
- Driving assessment:
  - Vision
  - Sensation in hands & feet
  - Movement
  - Cognition
  - Concentration
- The 3 Rs: Remove, Replace, Remember the Fun
- When to hold and recover vs retire
- Resources & intervention strategies to support successful transitions
- Driver rehab technology

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 03/29/2023

What if it's not BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most well-known form of dizziness, however there are multiple other conditions that can cause symptoms of dizziness, motion sensitivity imbalance, and falls. Explore multiple vestibular functional assessments that can be used to assess each area of the vestibular rehabilitation program. Findings from these assessments will direct the clinician’s clinical decision-making for appropriate treatment techniques to minimize or eliminate dizziness, decrease risk of falls, and restore function.

Program Information

Objectives

Implement appropriate treatment interventions for identified impairments using impairment-based treatment framework.
Develop treatments and progression strategies aimed at alleviating impairments to improve function.
Assess a case study to determine vestibular functional limitations, treatment program, & progression options for optimal outcome of vestibular rehabilitation program.

Outline

Vestibular Rehabilitation & Functional Assessments
- Motion Sensitivity Quotient
- Dynamic Visual Acuity Test
- Balance Assessments: Five time sit to stand, Dynamic Gait Index, mCTSIB,
- Gait speed
Assessment Findings & Translation into Treatment Techniques
- What information can be gained from each assessment
- How does this translate into function
- How to incorporate functional daily/work activities into the vestibular rehabilitation program
Incorporate & Progress Treatment Plan to Address the Four areas of a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program
- Habituation
- Gaze stabilization
- Balance and gait
- Endurance
Options for progression of treatment
Discussion of impairments and functional limitations
Review of case study findings for both subjective and objective measures

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 04/07/2023

Addressing Sexuality with Older Adults

Sex is an ADL....but is rarely addressed by rehab professionals. With practical strategies for conversation, assessment and recommendations, you’ll confidently incorporate sexuality into your geriatric rehabilitation practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine how sex and intimacy occupations are defined with the OT Framework.
Assess why sexuality is inconsistently addressed by rehab practitioners.
Evaluate theoretical models that can be used to guide assessment and treatment.
Develop strategies for intervention pertaining to sex and intimacy occupations.
Determine when referral to another professional is indicated.

Outline

Screening & Assessment Strategies to Address Sexuality with Older Adults
- PLISSIT vs EX-PLISSIT
- OPISI
- Inclusive terminology
- Common issues: vaginal pain, ED
Theoretical models that guide assessment & intervention
- Recognition model
- OT Sexual Assessment Framework
- Occupational Perspective of Sexuality
- Rights-based approach
Intervention Strategies
- Reducing barriers to intimacy
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Sex toys, bondage and other sexual devices
- Recommendations for safe sexual practices
Adding it All Together for Your Practice
- Documentation tips to maximize reimbursement
- When to refer to a pelvic specialist
- Advocacy
- Q/A

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Mobile Lymphedema 101

Ramp up your mobile lymphedema assessment and treatment skills! In this session, you'll learn the most effective in home assessments and interventions so that you can better manage skin integrity and volume reduction. Walk through examples of clinical presentations with an insider’s view into recommended supplies, technology and interventions that provide optimal outcomes for the client and mobile practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine strategies to assess lymphedema, define signs and symptoms and develop management strategies for enhanced client compliance.
Investigate CDT phases for lymphedema management.
Appraise interventions and technology that improve assessment and management while mobile.

Outline

Lymphedema presentations & management with clinical examples
CDT brief overview
Typical clinic environment presentations within SNF/Home Health/Outpatient
Use of mobile outpatient therapy within clients home for lymphedema management with benefits
Assessments used for lymphedema management and OT/PT within the home Technology/assessments/interventions for within the home
Recommended supplies and optional supplies
Optional interventions and patient centered interventions typically encountered
Typical outcomes & atypical outcomes
Q&A

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Live Without Leaks: Solutions for Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is recognized as a prevalent, physically and emotionally disruptive, and costly health problem in the geriatric population...but most cases of incontinence are treatable or at least manageable. Many practitioners remain uneducated about this condition and individuals are often too ashamed or embarrassed to seek professional help. The American Urological Association recommends conservative measures as the first line of treatment – and there are so many more options than just pads, medication and surgeries! Learn the different types of incontinence, common misconceptions, normal bladder function and non-invasive behavioral interventions you can implement immediately for clients of all ages.

Program Information

Objectives

Debate common misconceptions about urinary incontinence.
Assess normal bladder function.
Investigate different types of incontinence in order to offer the most effective interventions.
Determine non-invasive behavioral interventions you can implement immediately.

Outline

Bladder function and Dysfunction
- Common types of urinary incontinence
- Contributing factors of incontinence
- Pelvic floor contributions
Mythbusters: Misconceptions of Urinary Incontinence
- Is the only solution pads and medication?
- Is it just part of getting older?
- Is it normal just because you’ve had a baby?
- Are Kegels for everyone?
- Is it normal just because your family members had it?
Behavioral modification strategies for overcoming incontinence
- Creating good bladder habits
- Recommendations for voiding
- Effect of bowels on the bladder
- Diet and bladder health
- Mind over matter
- When to refer to a pelvic floor specialist

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Low Vision Tools and Technology

From no-tech to high-tech, explore today’s best options for helping patients with low vision perform their daily activities! In this session, We’ll discuss screening and assessment techniques to streamline your treatment plan. Learn simple home modifications that can reduce fall risk and enhance independence!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate low vision and the impact on our senior population.
Implement low vision screening tools.
Appraise low- and high-tech tools for people with vision loss.

Outline

The Impact of Low Vision
- Low vision defined
- Common low vision conditions
- Prevalence
- Functional implications
- Screening and Assessment
Low Tech Tools and Strategies
- Labeling Strategies
- Writing tools and guides
- Computer accessibility and keyboard modifications
- Lighting Types and Tones
- Contrast
- Kitchen tools
- Health Management tools
- Handheld, pocket, and stand magnifiers
- Properties of magnification
High Tech Tools
- Electronic Portable Magnifiers
- CCTVs
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) desktop, portable, wearable
- Wearables
- Smart Home accessibility
- Smart Phones and accessibility
- Low Vision Apps
Additional Resources
- Where to access additional info and how to access low vision products

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Improving Body Awareness in the Neurodegenerative Population

For neurogenerative disorders, the traditional rehab approach that solely focuses on strength and ROM can fall short. This holistic, full body approach will also help you to accurately identify and track neurodegenerative changes so that you can streamline your treatment plan. In this session, learn to restore and optimize function with novel “neuro-rewiring” approach that utilizes neuroplasticity techniques to enhance coordination and body awareness.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate compensatory and abnormal movement patterns and how to correct posture to maximize safety & independence in function.
Apply an evidence-based practice strategy that uses "neuro-rewiring" to restore body awareness necessary for occupational participation.
Investigate the relationship between proprioception, body awareness and the role of stress, as well as learn strategies for "self-regulation."
Assess the latest adaptive equipment & complementary medicines available for clients with Parkinson's disease.

Outline

Body Awareness in Neuro Degenerative Diseases
- Impact on Function
  - Compensatory patterns (use of different muscles to complete actions)
  - Decreased weight shifting ability
  - Decline in proper body mechanics
  - Decreased participation in functional tasks
A New Paradigm for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Neuroplasticity and Neuro-rewiring
- How traditional rehab falls short
- Multimodal preparatory approach to treatment
- Neuro-reeducation and Neuro rewiring principles
Evaluation & Assessment Tools to Accurately Identify & Track Neurodegenerative Changes
- Body awareness
- Reduced muscle use
- Increased fear
- Self-perception
- Assessments:
  - COPM
  - Functional Reach
  - Berg Balance
  - Thumb Localization Test
  - Toe Flare Observation
  - Four Square
Intervention Techniques to Enhance Coordination and Body Awareness

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Skills to Coach: Improving the Client Experience One Conversation at a Time

Experience for yourself why so many healthcare professionals are adding coaching to their arsenal. Unlock the secrets to happy patients that feel seen, heard & understood! These skills can be applied to any patient population setting to improve both patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Program Information

Objectives

Create a coaching toolkit that includes 4 foundational life coaching skills that can be applied to all occupational therapy settings in relation to goal setting, improving engagement in treatment and improving client satisfaction.
Distinguish between patient satisfaction, patient-centered care and patient engagement.
Distinguish the Coaching Model from the Medical Model to better establish the client as an active consumer rather than passive participant in their care.

Outline

Skills to Coach: Improving the Client Experience One Conversation at a Time
- Perceptions: Being a therapist versus Being a patient/client
- Emotional impact of not being heard or understood
- Golden Rule versus Platinum Rule
What is coaching? Improve Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes AND your Business Bottom Line
- Difference between coaching and life coaching
- Being the “expert” versus being a “partner”
- What coaching is/what it isn’t
- ICF [International Coach Federation]
- Integrating coaching in healthcare
- Impact & potential for coaching techniques in therapy
- “Being” versus “doing”
- Value Based Purchasing
- Current cost of care across the healthcare continuum
- “Quantity” of care versus “Quality” of care
Patient Satisfaction, Patient Centered Care and Patient Engagement
- Distinctions & differences
- Review Research & trends
- Traditional Medical Model versus Coaching Model
- Being the expert versus being a partner
Understanding, Applying & Practicing ICF Core Competencies & Foundational Skills
- Lab Practice:
  - Presence
  - Active Listening
  - Powerful Questions
  - Responding
    - Acknowledgement
    - Validation
- Applications in practice
  - Initial Evaluation: establishing rapport & relationship; being present; goal setting
  - Treatment Sessions: active listening, questions, responding
  - Discharge/Last session: summarizing, connecting the dots, generating an “aha” moment
- Questions & Answers

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Now What? Becoming a Next Level Therapist: Current Practice, Side Gig, Start a Business

Physical and Occupational therapy professionals are burnt out and leaving the clinical setting due to unrealistic standards, low pay, unethical practices, and more. Whether you want a little cash on the side, to start your own business, or explore alternative career paths, this session will explore how to take your first step. The opportunities for income outside of “traditional” rehab are HUGE… and we’re going to show you how to start.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess ways to expand what rehabilitation professionals are currently doing in the traditional setting.
Investigate options for rehabilitation professionals to start a side gig and increase their earning potential.
Determine the basic steps to starting a home modification business.

Outline

Beyond Traditional Rehab!
Options of programs to start/develop in the traditional therapy setting
- Dementia
- Fall prevention
- Home Mods
- Mobile Med B
- Neuro
- Lymphedema
- Low Vision
- Caregiver Training
- Care Consultation
- W/C assessments
- Community based wellness programs
Starting your own business: ups and downs
Basic Steps to starting a Private Practice
Review how the process of community-based program development/practice establishment is similar to the therapy process

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants