More than a Misstep: Exploring Falls and Sensory Decline
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Event Details
Overview: This course will address fall prevalence and associated risk factors. Attendees will be educated on proactively identifying who is at risk, physical and environmental factors that can impact risk, steps that can be taken to mitigate risk with a focus on the impact sensory declines that place individuals at increased risk.
Learning Objective: Individuals in attendance will learn about
- Statistics: Falls Awareness, Prevalence and Impact
- How changes in vision impact falls and increase risk including techniques/considerations that may mitigate risk
- How hearing loss contributes to fall risk and techniques/considerations that may mitigate risk
- How vestibular changes increase fall risk and techniques/considerations that may mitigate risk
- Touch and proprioception - The role of sensation and body awareness in balance and fall prevention
- Recognizing sensory decline, ways to restore, compensate and adapt to declines and
Audience: general
Sally Henry, Senior Physical Therapist Assistant serves with 16 years of experience as a physical therapist assistant in long term care, acute care, home health, and outpatient settings. As a senior physical therapist assistant, Sally will support clinicians and students by sharing advanced education and training for therapeutic intervention and clinical teaching.
Miles Krueger, DPT brings more than 15 years of experience in rehabilitation services, healthcare operations, and clinical leadership. He has practiced in rural, acute care, outpatient, and home health settings with an emphasis on assessment and treating vestibular dysfunction. Throughout his career, he has served in clinical support roles including mentorship and training.
Samantha Christensen, DPT, GCS, is a physical therapist with 13 years of experience caring for older adults. As a Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Senior Therapist, and long-time Clinical Instructor, she is dedicated to advancing evidence-based care, mentoring developing clinicians, and helping older adults maintain independence and safety throughout the aging process.
Tracie Sokolik, MOTR/L, CLT, RAC-CTA brings more than 25 years of experience in occupational therapy to Good Samaritan. Her expertise spans diverse settings including acute rehabilitation, outpatient neurological care, and long-term care. She is particularly passionate about restoring health and wellness in older adults, specialized program development, and care of individuals with cognitive decline. Currently, as a Clinical Specialist for Good Samaritan, Tracie focuses on providing clinical outreach, enhancing patient programming and outcomes, and supporting compliance with regulations and practice standards.