Functional Testing & Assessment for Older Adults

T. Daniel Walters PT, DPT, GCS

Online Course

Includes all course content in digital format

Prerequisites Required
6 hours - Provided by Summit Professional Education

Item: physi-ONDEMANDGTESDW2

Description

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.

Highlights

  • Comprehensive testing measures that will quickly and accurately reflect performance in most clinical settings for various aging populations
  • Practical and safe application of clinical outcome measures through hands-on labs
  • 3 Essential steps to optimize documentation for better outcomes and reimbursement
  • Therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular re-education strategies to effectively improve plans of care
  • Step-by-step exercise prescriptions proven in the real world and backed by evidence to improve outcomes

Learning Objectives

  1. Compare evidence-based tests that will accuratelymeasure and reflect performance in mobility and ADLs.
  2. Assess findings of clinical tests for justification of service and establishment of goals.
  3. Develop an evidence-based exercise prescription based on test results.
  4. Execute an examination that guides clinical decision- making.
  5. Differentiate clinical needs of the geriatric patient alongmultiple healthcare settings.
  6. Utilize clinical tests accurately and safely for clinical application to develop functional treatments to improvebalance, mobility, and ADL safety.

Course Content

Functional Testing & Assessment for Older Adults
SCORM Package
Next Steps
Module
  1. Understanding the Older Adult
    1. Aging and disease processes
    2. Functional decline and frailty
    3. Factoring in medications
    4. Home environment: Bang for the buck
  2. Clinically Practical Functional Tests for Performance in falls identification, mobility, and ADLs
    1. Gait tests
    2. Strength tests
    3. Fall risk assessments
    4. Fear of falling assessments
    5. Balance assessments
    6. Aerobic tests
    7. Mobility tests
    8. Sensory integration tests
  3. Choosing the Right Tests and Interpreting the Results
    1. What the results indicate
    2. Prognosis for optimal functional improvement and formulation of plan of care
    3. Setting practical goals to maximize performance and patient independence in mobility and ADLs
  4. Evidence-Based Exercise Prescription
    1. What the research suggests
    2. Contraindications
    3. Designing programs based on assessments
  5. 3 Keys to Better Documentation
    1. Showing medical necessity
    2. Measuring patient progression
    3. Real-world application
T. Daniel Walters PT, DPT, GCS is a Physical Therapist and Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist licensed in multiple states. He enjoys staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends affecting the geriatric population and is also certified in vestibular rehabilitation. An experienced public speaker with a passion to teach, Dr. Walters has also served as contributing faculty at the University of St. Augustine, holds public health seminars for independent and assisted living communities throughout metro Denver, and has been an instructor with Summit Professional Education for over five years. Dr. Walters' experience across virtually all practice settings and patient populations has enabled him to hold various leadership roles and be an active member of the public relations committee for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, with over a decade of experience working with older adults. Dr. Walters is privy to treating patients with vision loss and has extensive clinical expertise in neuromuscular conditions and balance disorders. Dr. Walters enjoys helping people of all ages restore function and mobility so they can get back to enjoying life. Dr. Walters earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University. Dr. Walters is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and Colorado Physical Therapy Association. In his free time, Daniel enjoys staying active by exploring all of Colorado's hidden treasures including hiking 14ers, skiing, going to special events with his wife and dog, Kona, and practicing Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Daniel Walters is compensated by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Daniel Walters has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

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