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Helping Them Stay on Their Feet: A Modern Approach to Comprehensive Falls Management in Geriatric Rehabilitation
PT
OT
Course Level:
Intermediate
Course Type:
In-person
March 8, 2026
Check-In Time: 3/8/2026 7:30:00 AM
Course Time(s): 8:00AM-4:30PM
Course Location:
Contact Hours: 7.0
Course Completion:
Course intended to be completed in full.
Discipline Specific CEU Approvals:
-
OT: You will receive a certificate of completion with total CE contact hours. This course is not submitted for AOTA approval, but you may submit the certificate and course details to your licensing board. Please review your organization’s CE requirements for eligibility (OR could replace the last sentence with: For CE requirements and qualifying OT activities, see MN Statute 148.
- PT: This course will be submitted to the MN Board of PT for credit approval; however, approval or the full number of credits is not guaranteed. Participants will receive a certificate of completion, which may be used toward professional licensure.
Instructor: Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD, FNAP
Instructor Bio:
Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD, FNAP is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy of the College of Health Professions and Sciences at the University of Central Florida and Director of the ALIVEÔ (Aging & Longevity Initiatives for Vitality & Enrichment) Lab at UCF. Dr. Dawson is a Board Certified Geriatric Physical Therapist Emeritus with over 20 years of clinical experience along with a PhD in Adult Development & Aging Psychology from Cleveland State University. She has been recognized for excellence in her field by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy through receipt of the Distinguished Educator Award, the American Physical Therapy Association being awarded the Margaret L. Moore Outstanding New Academic Faculty Award and is a Distinguished Scholar Fellow in the National Academies of Practice. Her current area of research includes developing non-pharmacological interventions to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with chronic disease including those with dementia, gaining a better understanding of the disability experience as well as training and development of the eldercare workforce. Dr. Dawson is published in peer-reviewed journals including The Gerontologist, Dementia, and the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Her consulting company, Golden Age Consultants, aims to facilitate the successful aging of older adults. She trains allied health professionals through continuing education and has presented at numerous international and national conferences about aging and geriatric rehabilitation
Financial Disclosure:
Nicole will receive an honorarium for teaching this course.
Non‑financial Disclosure:
Nicole has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults—but they are not an inevitable part of aging. This engaging and evidence-based presentation offers rehabilitation professionals a practical, research-informed framework for identifying and managing fall risk in older adults.
This session explores the multifactorial nature of falls, including age-related changes in strength, balance, posture, and gait, as well as the influence of medications, vision, cognition, and environmental hazards. Dr. Dawson presents a holistic approach to assessment and intervention, integrating validated tools and real-world case studies to guide clinical decision-making.
Participants will gain actionable strategies for tailoring interventions—ranging from strength and balance training to home modifications and community-based programs. The presentation also highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging technologies in fall prevention.
With a focus on functional outcomes and patient-centered care, this course equips clinicians with the tools and confidence to reduce fall risk and support older adults in maintaining mobility, safety, and independence. Ideal for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals, this presentation is a must-attend for anyone committed to improving quality of life for aging populations.
Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
- Describe the scope and impact of falls among older adults, including prevalence, injury rates, and healthcare costs.
- Identify key risk factors for falls, including physiological, environmental, and pharmacological contributors.
- Analyze age-related changes in musculoskeletal function, posture, and gait that influence fall risk.
- Apply standardized assessment tools to evaluate balance, strength, and mobility in older adult populations.
- Develop individualized intervention plans that address identified impairments and functional limitations.
- Evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of various outcome measures used in fall risk assessment.
- Create documentation that clearly supports clinical decision-making and demonstrates medical necessity for skilled therapy.
- Integrate interdisciplinary strategies, including medication review and home safety modifications, into comprehensive fall prevention plans.
The course will have 2 fifteen-minute breaks and a 60-minute lunch break
1. Introduction & Overview of Falls in Older Adults (30 minutes)
- Definitions and epidemiology of falls
- Public health and economic impact
- Myths vs. realities: Falls are not a normal part of aging
2. Risk Factors and Age-Related Changes (60 minutes)
- Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
- Musculoskeletal, postural, and gait changes with aging
- Cognitive, sensory, and medication-related contributors
- Environmental hazards
3. Comprehensive Assessment Strategies (75 minutes)
- Patient history and systems review
- Functional assessments:
- Strength (Chair Stand, Heel-Rise)
- Balance (Berg, Functional Reach, One-Leg Stance, FAB)
- Gait (TUG, DGI, Tinetti, Gait Speed)
- Interpreting psychometric properties of tools
- Documentation tips to support skilled therapy
4. Case-Based Application of Assessment and Evaluation (45 minutes)
- Guided review of 2–3 case studies
- Risk factor identification
- Assessment selection and interpretation
- Plan of care development
5. Intervention Planning and Implementation (60 minutes)
- Evidence-based interventions:
- Strength and balance training
- Task-specific functional training
- Environmental modifications
- Vitamin D, vision, and footwear considerations
- Community-based programs and technology integration
6. Motivation, Adherence, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration (30 minutes)
- Addressing barriers and leveraging motivators
- Strategies for improving adherence
- Role of interdisciplinary teams (PT, OT, MD, pharmacy, vision care)
7. Final Case Study & Group Discussion (30 minutes)
- Comprehensive case review
- Group discussion and clinical reasoning
- Q&A and wrap-up
Contact Information
M Health Fairview Rehab Services Continuing Education Department
Email: rehabce@fairview.org
Phone: 612-672-5607