2024 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & PT EXPO

Participants will learn about the resources of the National Council on Aging and other evidence based community organizations, to specifically understand how these resources can improve aging adults health outcomes in positive ways. The session will begin broadly discussing the evidence from a recent publication reporting on the minimal use of such community resources followed by a description of each program’s intent. Next, a local description of available community organizations will assist physical therapists (PTs) in making this important step of awareness within their geographical community. The session continues by sharing an algorithm and visual timeline for PTs to help differentiate and consolidate the information. This information will then be applied to two uniquely different case studies to highlight the practical application of a community based focus and the individual. The session concludes with a question and answer to elevate the spirit of practicing at the highest scope for the profession.

The purpose of this session is to teach physical therapists strategies to prevent falls in their patients' lives through collaboration with occupational therapy professionals. Taking a multi discipline, team-oriented approach, it allows for more robust interventions and improved clinical outcomes. Examples of successful cooperative efforts in multiple settings will be shared including skilled nursing, home health and mobile outpatient. PTs will hopefully walk away from this session feeling empowered with ideas of how they can interface with OT to maximize results for patients.

Medically complex and frail patients are rapidly rising because of an aging population with chronic conditions, compounded by COVID-19. Healthcare providers need evidence-based strategies that can restore balance and mobility safely and efficiently while reducing fall risk. Join us to explore why building joint mobility and stability at ankles and feet is the foundation to accelerating functional outcomes like gait speed and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Proprioceptive training that includes range of motion and strengthening exercises will be reviewed and practiced during this interactive lecture.