Geriatric Education Series
Falls Prevention
Module 1
Better Balance: Preventing Falls Before They Happen
60 minutes
It is known in clinical practice and in the literature that many health professionals are unaware of the multiple factors that can make older adults vulnerable to falls, particularly older adults with complex care needs. Nor are professionals aware of the interventional tools available to reduce fall risk. Health professionals are interested in gaining knowledge and skills needed to reduce risk of falling in their patients.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the incidence and impact of falls in older adults
- Define intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to falls
- Identify effective methods of preventing falls
- Recognize when to refer and who to refer to in regards to fall risk
Presenters
- Megan Horton, PT, DPT; Director of Rehabilitation/ Physical Therapist at Genesis Rehabilitation Services
- Janice Hulme, PT, MS, DHSc, CEEA; Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island
- Rachel Roach, APRN-CNP, AGPCNP; Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at Care New England Health System
Accreditation/Designations
A Certificate of Completion is available for those who attend the entire session and complete and submit the Program Evaluation Survey. Contact rigec@etal.uri.edu with questions.
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Module 2
Relationship Between Medication and Falls
60 minutes
All falls are not preventable, but many can be. One common cause of falls—medication—is often overlooked, even by healthcare professionals. Medications and their side effects contribute significantly to the risk of falling in older adults, thus, understanding this issues are critical to a successful fall prevention approach for older adults.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the recent literature and discuss how this information adds to our knowledge in this area
- Discuss a framework to fully understand the role of medication related falls
- Evaluate strategies used to limit excessive medication use in older adults
Presenter
- Norma Owens, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS; Professor of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island
Accreditation/Designations
A Certificate of Completion is available for those who attend the entire session and complete and submit the Program Evaluation Survey. Contact rigec@etal.uri.edu with questions.
Participate Now!
Module 3
Strategies and Resources for Fall Prevention
60 minutes
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries, injury deaths, and hospital trauma admissions. Falls can take a serious toll on an older person’s quality of life and independence. Many believe that falling is an inevitable part of aging, but it is not.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Discuss strategies and techniques to reduce falls in seniors at risk
- Describe evidence-based falls management programs and related interventions
- Identify resources in the community for patients, care providers and health professionals
Presenters
- Corrine Russo, MSW, LCSW
- Justin Oakley, OTR/L, Oakley Home Access
Accreditation/Designations
A Certificate of Completion is available for those who attend the entire session and complete and submit the Program Evaluation Survey. Contact rigec@etal.uri.edu with questions.
Participate Now!