OT/PT/COTA/PTA
FREE VIRTUAL 2 CREDIT CEU
PTs, PTAs, OTs, & COTAs
LOW VISION AND OLDER ADULTS:
OPTIMIZE SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Older adults with low vision can regain the ability to engage in activities that they love and can function safely in their own homes if provided with appropriate tools, strategies, and resources. This 2 hour course will educate the participant in low vision diagnoses, intervention strategies, and resources to promote safety and independence at home and increase the quality of life for these clients. This course includes a discussion of major low vision diagnoses, as well as the functional and psychosocial impairments associated with these diagnoses. Participants will be introduced to functional screening techniques to identify clients with low vision, as well as appropriate referrals for these clients. This program includes an in-depth discussion of intervention strategies to increase safety and independence for clients with low vision, including low vision devices, compensatory strategies, and assistive technology. A detailed description of local and national resources for clients with low vision will be discussed. This continuing education course will provide the health professional participant with the skills to identify barriers in client homes, and select strategies to allow clients to engage in meaningful activities. In order to receive a certificate, a survey must be completed
COURSE APPROVALS
This course, “Low Vision and Older Adults: Optimizing Safety and Independence in the Home Environment”, provided by Back Home Safely, LLC, is approved for 2 continuing education credits with the NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, Course # 2111-91. NBCOT advised Back Home Safely that with a certificate, credit can be used toward their requirements. This course is valid for 2 continuing education credits.
SPEAKERS
Karen Frank, Physical Therapist & Gregg Frank, OTR/L, Home Improvement Contractor, Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Karen and Gregg Frank have dedicated their practice for the past 15 years to creating safe and accessible environments for people with mobility and safety challenges. Their NJ-based company, Back Home Safely, evaluates homes for any accessibility or safety needs. Their staff of skilled carpenters can then complete any of the recommended projects. The Franks strive to make it possible for people to remain living in the homes they love with the goal of reducing falls, and optimizing accessibility, and caregiver injuries. They use a patient-centered approach by focusing on the patient’s unique functional abilities, the patient’s goals, and the environment in which they live.
Cara has a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She has spent 3 years working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC in care coordination and clinical research coordination. Cara currently works with the adult population in acute care, skilled nursing, and outpatient hand clinic settings.