People over the age of 65 total 36 million in the USA, over 12% of the total population. By 2030,... more People over the age of 65 total 36 million in the USA, over 12% of the total population. By 2030, 22% will be over age 65. California has the largest elderly population of any state with over 3.5 million people over age 65. In California, 200,000 falls annually result in injuries, especially fractures, head injuries, and death. Three hundred and seventy five million dollars are spent annually in California treating those with fall-related hip fractures. On the average, two Californians daily die of fall related injuries. Risk factors for falls include the normal aging process, medication issues, poor nutrition, unsteady gait, confusion, and progressive diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Fear of falling is anther significant issue for many older people. Proven methods exist to help assess fall risk and prevent falls. Suggestions for future initiatives Include fall risk assessment as a part of all functional assessments for individuals 55 years of age and older. Offer special fall risk screening days during April, "OT Month". Start or join a fall prevention task force in your place of employment or community. Offer to serve on the board of a community agency serving older adults. Develop written materials about fall risk that are age and culture-appropriate for clients and families. Volunteer to do fall risk assessment, education and consultation at your local church, senior center, nursing home, assisted living facility, or other community agency. Write articles for your local newspaper on the risk of falling, and ways to prevent falls. Volunteer to "Rebuilding Together", and ask to work on the homes of older individuals, making suggestions for home modifications that may decrease fall risk. Develop community clinics focused on helping older adults remain healthy in their homes and in the community. Can be run by OT students with appropriate supervision. Host a booth at a Senior Information Fair with screening and information on fall risk assessment and prevention. Research the efficacy of fall risk assessment and prevention programs with community dwelling elders. Useful web sites The American Occupational Therapy Association. www.aota.org California Department on Aging. www.aging.ca.gov Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. www.cdc.gov/ncipc/falls/default.htm California Fall Prevention Conference White Paper.
Abused Persons Program (APP) and Victim Assistance & Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) (240) 777-441... more Abused Persons Program (APP) and Victim Assistance & Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) (240) 777-4417 (To report abuse) (240) 777-4673 (APP 24/hr hotline) or (240) 777-4195 (Office) (240) 777-4357 (VASAP 24/hr hotline) or (240) 777-1347 (Office) (301) 315-4357 (Rape-Sexual Assault hotline) Victims & offenders of abuse; Spanish speaking services available Counseling services for victims and offenders, legal assistance, assists abuse victims with locating shelter, communication education Free emergency services; all other services on ability-to-pay basis
Each State, in cooperation with its political subdivisions, tribal governments and other stakehol... more Each State, in cooperation with its political subdivisions, tribal governments and other stakeholders, should develop and implement a comprehensive highway safety program, reflective of State demographics, to achieve a significant reduction in traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries on public roads. The highway safety program should include a comprehensive older driver safety program that aims to reduce older driver crashes, fatalities, and injuries. To maximize benefits, each State older driver safety program should address driver licensing and medical review of at-risk drivers, medical and law enforcement education, roadway design, and collaboration with social services and transportation services providers. This guideline recommends the key components of a State older driver safety program, and criteria that the program components should meet.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2012
Introduction: This study examined whether participation in a modified version of the "Stepping On... more Introduction: This study examined whether participation in a modified version of the "Stepping On" program was effective in increasing fall self-efficacy, static and dynamic balance, and awareness of fall risks in older adults. Design: A mixed methods, one-group, nonexperimental, pretest-posttest design. Participants: Nineteen women aged 65 and older residing in a senior living facility. Intervention: Participants attended a 7-week fall prevention education program focused on group exercises, home hazards, community safety and footwear, and vision and medication management. The program met for 2 h weekly for 7 weeks. Participants were assessed pre-and postintervention using the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale, Get Up and Go Test, and Romberg Balance Test. In addition, a focus group was facilitated postintervention to determine participants' awareness of fall risks. Results: While the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale (MFES) postintervention results were not statistically significant, they did indicate a decreased level of confidence in participants' ability to avoid a fall postintervention. "Get Up and Go" completion time also increased postintervention, but was not statistically significant. No change in static balance was noted in Romberg Balance Test results. Participants did report an overall increase in awareness of fall risks postintervention. Conclusion: Although results did not support the hypotheses regarding increased fall self-efficacy and static and dynamic balance, participation in the modified "Stepping On" program did lead to an overall increase in awareness of fall risks. Modifying the evidence-based program made it feasible to test in a new community and may have empowered older adults with the knowledge to prevent future falls.
ABSTRACT Changing health care delivery systems increasingly demand community-focused care; howeve... more ABSTRACT Changing health care delivery systems increasingly demand community-focused care; however, little research has been done exploring the experiences of the limited numbers of occupational therapists in community practice. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to better understand the challenges and rewards of community-based occupational therapy. Ten occupational therapists in varied practice settings were interviewed and the data were analyzed qualitatively. Findings suggest a need to understand the experience of community-based occupational therapists and to increase educational and professional support for this important practice area.
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2010
This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy. The practice of... more This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy. The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations for the purpose of participation in roles and situations in the home, school, workplace, community, or other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. Occupational therapy addresses physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, communication, and other areas of performance in various contexts and environments in everyday life activities that affect health, wellbeing, and quality of life (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2004). The overarching goal of occupational therapy is "to support [people's] health and participation in life through engagement in occupations" (AOTAa, 2008, p. 626). The Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy are requirements for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants for the delivery of occupational therapy services. The Reference Manual of Official Documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (current version as of press time, AOTA, 2010) contains documents that clarify and support occupational therapy practice, as do various issues of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. These documents are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis for their applicability.
This document contains four sections that direct the delivery of occupational therapy services. T... more This document contains four sections that direct the delivery of occupational therapy services. These sections are General Supervision, Supervision of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, Roles and Responsibilities of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services, and Supervision of Occupational Therapy Aides. General Supervision These guidelines provide a definition of supervision and outline parameters regarding effective supervision as it relates to the delivery of occupational therapy services. These supervision guidelines are to assist in the appropriate and effective provision of occupational therapy services. The guidelines themselves cannot be interpreted to constitute a standard of supervision in any particular locality. Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy aides are expected to meet applicable state and federal regulations, adhere to relevant workplace policies and the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2005) and participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain continuing competency.
I am indebted to many people who have helped me on my journey to the completion of this doctoral ... more I am indebted to many people who have helped me on my journey to the completion of this doctoral dissertation. My husband Steve Ramsland and my son Ian McFadden always believed in me and put up with many long nights and lost weekends. My academic advisor and dissertation chair, Dr. Robert Burns, was a stern yet compassionate guide, providing the right amount of support and challenge to keep me moving forward. Dissertation committee member Dr. Susan Evans was equally inspiring, demanding a degree of academic rigor I sometimes doubted I could produce. Dr. Joan Avis, the third member of my dissertation committee, offered enthusiastic support, for which I am grateful. I also owe a big debt of gratitude to Dr. Martha Nelson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Dominican University, who hired me when the occupational therapy program was just a dream, and helped me bring that dream and the dream of my doctoral degree into reality. A big thank you to all the faculty, staff, and students in the occupational therapy program at Dominican University of California. Thank you also to my other Dominican colleagues who supported me throughout the doctoral process. Finally, I wish to thank the participants in this study, who readily agreed to be interviewed and observed, who put their heart and hands into their work, and who daily achieve small miracles. It is by your grace that this dissertation exists.
Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, 2015
Ramsey, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and enthusiasm throughout our thesis process. W... more Ramsey, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and enthusiasm throughout our thesis process. We would also like to acknowledge Ted Peterson, NFD Battalion Chief and Director of EMS, Keri Hamby, NFD firefighter/paramedic, and Patricia Reyes, the evaluation consultant, for their time and support in our research study. A special thank you to the residents and staff from the care facilities and the first responders from the Novato Fire District for their participation in this research study. We would also like to thank our research assistants for their help in data entry and transcriptions. I, Monica Fernandez, would like to thank God for giving me the strength to overcome all the obstacles that I have encountered during this journey, for allowing me to accomplish my goals, and providing me with many blessings along the way. After endless days of hard work and sleepless nights I am grateful for finally ending this chapter of my life. I owe my deepest gratitude to the most important people in my life, my wonderful parents, Cecilia Mendez and Cristobal Fernandez, for their unconditional love, endless support, and always giving their everything to help me become a better human being. In addition, I would like to specially thank my amazing siblings, Cristina Fernandez and Cristobal Fernandez Jr., for their exceptional guidance, assistance, and love through this process. I am also grateful for my awesome roommates/sisters, Kristina Mohler and Faatuaiitaua Tunai, for giving me an extreme amount of love and support to accomplish this goal. Thank you to my dearest friend, Estela Trujillo, for always being by my side through my best and worst times in college. In addition, I would like to thank my friends and acquaintances who have made a difference in my life and in one way or v another have encouraged me to get this far. Last but not least, I would like to thank my thesis partners, Anita Hin and Chelsea Prado, for being so patient and understanding. They are the best thesis partners ever. I, Anita Hin, would like to thank God for His grace in sustaining me throughout these past few years of graduate school and challenging me to grow and mature in ways that I would never have imagined. I am extremely thankful for my parents who have exemplified diligence, dedication, and perseverance in all that they do. I cannot thank them enough for the love, care, and support throughout all these years. Additionally, I would like to thank my sisters for always making me laugh and forcing me to take muchneeded breaks. Special thanks to my church family, especially the girls in my small group, for their continued support, words of encouragement, and prayers throughout every step of the way. Scott, thank you for always being there to listen, cheer me on, make me laugh, and pray for me during the good and difficult times. Your love and patience means so much to me. I would also like to thank my classmates for all the wonderful memories that we've shared. I could not have asked for a better class to be a part of! And lastly, I would like to thank my thesis partners, Chelsea Prado and Monica Fernandez, for the time and dedication they've put into this thesis. We finally made it! I, Chelsea Prado, would like to thank my parents, Jorge and Myrna Prado, for all their love and support throughout my education. They have motivated me to strive for the best and I will be forever thankful. I would like to thank my best friends for all always being by my side when I needed it the most. A special thank you to all my classmates as we shared a special bond, became a family, and created priceless memories throughout our journey in the occupational therapy program. And lastly, I would like to thank my vi thesis partners, Anita Hin and Monica Fernandez, for all their hard work and dedication throughout the entire thesis process. No matter what road bumps laid ahead of us, we were able to overcome those obstacles and have grown so much. I could not have been happier to be paired up with such great thesis partners. vii Abstract OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this study were to identify characteristics of older adult fallers in a local community in Marin County, California, examine the perceptions of older adults who contacted a local fire district after a fall, examine the perceptions of first responders from a local fire district regarding falls and fall prevention, explore the degree of depression in older adult fallers, and identify strategies to prevent falls in older adults. METHODS. This research study was an exploratory and retrospective descriptive study that utilized a mixed-method design. The researchers coded narratives from Patient Care Report (PCRs) provided by the fire district and also quantitatively analyzed PCRs to identify characteristics of older adult fallers. Researchers also qualitatively analyzed data gathered from focus groups with older adults and first responders and from phone interviews with community-dwelling older adults to understand their experiences regarding falls and fall prevention. RESULTS. Findings revealed that the majority of fallers were female, at an average age of 81 years old, living at home and alone during the fall. Older adult participants associated falls with negative emotions and expressed a strong desire to maintain their independence despite experiencing falls and fall injuries. First responder participants experienced challenges when communicating with older adult fallers due to cognitive and psychosocial factors. The lack of coordination of services with care facility staff also posed a challenge for first responder participants. viii CONCLUSION. As the older adult population increases, more older adults will fall and require emergency care from first responders. A collaboration between first responders and occupational therapists to develop and implement effective fall prevention programs for the community can potentially reduce falls and fall-related injuries and costs and improve the health and well-being of older adults. x
to design and deliver a series of fall prevention workshops for older adults living in the commun... more to design and deliver a series of fall prevention workshops for older adults living in the community. The faculty member from DUC helped design and develop the workshops, and a community-practicing occupational therapist delivered the workshops to over 100 seniors, who were also given specialized exercise booklets to take home. This program is an excellent example of campuscommunity partnerships that can be developed to promote the health of older adults living in the community.
The purpose of this document is to define the scope of practice in occupational therapy in order ... more The purpose of this document is to define the scope of practice in occupational therapy in order to 1. delineate the domain of occupational therapy practice that directs the focus and actions of services provided by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; 2. delineate the dynamic process of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention services to achieve outcomes that support the participation of clients in their everyday life activities (occupations); 3. describe the education and certification requirements to practice as an occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant; and 4. inform consumers, health care providers, educators, the community, funding agencies, payers, referral sources, and policymakers regarding the scope of occupational therapy.
People over the age of 65 total 36 million in the USA, over 12% of the total population. By 2030,... more People over the age of 65 total 36 million in the USA, over 12% of the total population. By 2030, 22% will be over age 65. California has the largest elderly population of any state with over 3.5 million people over age 65. In California, 200,000 falls annually result in injuries, especially fractures, head injuries, and death. Three hundred and seventy five million dollars are spent annually in California treating those with fall-related hip fractures. On the average, two Californians daily die of fall related injuries. Risk factors for falls include the normal aging process, medication issues, poor nutrition, unsteady gait, confusion, and progressive diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Fear of falling is anther significant issue for many older people. Proven methods exist to help assess fall risk and prevent falls. Suggestions for future initiatives Include fall risk assessment as a part of all functional assessments for individuals 55 years of age and older. Offer special fall risk screening days during April, "OT Month". Start or join a fall prevention task force in your place of employment or community. Offer to serve on the board of a community agency serving older adults. Develop written materials about fall risk that are age and culture-appropriate for clients and families. Volunteer to do fall risk assessment, education and consultation at your local church, senior center, nursing home, assisted living facility, or other community agency. Write articles for your local newspaper on the risk of falling, and ways to prevent falls. Volunteer to "Rebuilding Together", and ask to work on the homes of older individuals, making suggestions for home modifications that may decrease fall risk. Develop community clinics focused on helping older adults remain healthy in their homes and in the community. Can be run by OT students with appropriate supervision. Host a booth at a Senior Information Fair with screening and information on fall risk assessment and prevention. Research the efficacy of fall risk assessment and prevention programs with community dwelling elders. Useful web sites The American Occupational Therapy Association. www.aota.org California Department on Aging. www.aging.ca.gov Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. www.cdc.gov/ncipc/falls/default.htm California Fall Prevention Conference White Paper.
Abused Persons Program (APP) and Victim Assistance & Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) (240) 777-441... more Abused Persons Program (APP) and Victim Assistance & Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) (240) 777-4417 (To report abuse) (240) 777-4673 (APP 24/hr hotline) or (240) 777-4195 (Office) (240) 777-4357 (VASAP 24/hr hotline) or (240) 777-1347 (Office) (301) 315-4357 (Rape-Sexual Assault hotline) Victims & offenders of abuse; Spanish speaking services available Counseling services for victims and offenders, legal assistance, assists abuse victims with locating shelter, communication education Free emergency services; all other services on ability-to-pay basis
Each State, in cooperation with its political subdivisions, tribal governments and other stakehol... more Each State, in cooperation with its political subdivisions, tribal governments and other stakeholders, should develop and implement a comprehensive highway safety program, reflective of State demographics, to achieve a significant reduction in traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries on public roads. The highway safety program should include a comprehensive older driver safety program that aims to reduce older driver crashes, fatalities, and injuries. To maximize benefits, each State older driver safety program should address driver licensing and medical review of at-risk drivers, medical and law enforcement education, roadway design, and collaboration with social services and transportation services providers. This guideline recommends the key components of a State older driver safety program, and criteria that the program components should meet.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2012
Introduction: This study examined whether participation in a modified version of the "Stepping On... more Introduction: This study examined whether participation in a modified version of the "Stepping On" program was effective in increasing fall self-efficacy, static and dynamic balance, and awareness of fall risks in older adults. Design: A mixed methods, one-group, nonexperimental, pretest-posttest design. Participants: Nineteen women aged 65 and older residing in a senior living facility. Intervention: Participants attended a 7-week fall prevention education program focused on group exercises, home hazards, community safety and footwear, and vision and medication management. The program met for 2 h weekly for 7 weeks. Participants were assessed pre-and postintervention using the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale, Get Up and Go Test, and Romberg Balance Test. In addition, a focus group was facilitated postintervention to determine participants' awareness of fall risks. Results: While the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale (MFES) postintervention results were not statistically significant, they did indicate a decreased level of confidence in participants' ability to avoid a fall postintervention. "Get Up and Go" completion time also increased postintervention, but was not statistically significant. No change in static balance was noted in Romberg Balance Test results. Participants did report an overall increase in awareness of fall risks postintervention. Conclusion: Although results did not support the hypotheses regarding increased fall self-efficacy and static and dynamic balance, participation in the modified "Stepping On" program did lead to an overall increase in awareness of fall risks. Modifying the evidence-based program made it feasible to test in a new community and may have empowered older adults with the knowledge to prevent future falls.
ABSTRACT Changing health care delivery systems increasingly demand community-focused care; howeve... more ABSTRACT Changing health care delivery systems increasingly demand community-focused care; however, little research has been done exploring the experiences of the limited numbers of occupational therapists in community practice. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to better understand the challenges and rewards of community-based occupational therapy. Ten occupational therapists in varied practice settings were interviewed and the data were analyzed qualitatively. Findings suggest a need to understand the experience of community-based occupational therapists and to increase educational and professional support for this important practice area.
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2010
This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy. The practice of... more This document defines minimum standards for the practice of occupational therapy. The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations for the purpose of participation in roles and situations in the home, school, workplace, community, or other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. Occupational therapy addresses physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, communication, and other areas of performance in various contexts and environments in everyday life activities that affect health, wellbeing, and quality of life (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2004). The overarching goal of occupational therapy is "to support [people's] health and participation in life through engagement in occupations" (AOTAa, 2008, p. 626). The Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy are requirements for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants for the delivery of occupational therapy services. The Reference Manual of Official Documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (current version as of press time, AOTA, 2010) contains documents that clarify and support occupational therapy practice, as do various issues of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. These documents are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis for their applicability.
This document contains four sections that direct the delivery of occupational therapy services. T... more This document contains four sections that direct the delivery of occupational therapy services. These sections are General Supervision, Supervision of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, Roles and Responsibilities of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services, and Supervision of Occupational Therapy Aides. General Supervision These guidelines provide a definition of supervision and outline parameters regarding effective supervision as it relates to the delivery of occupational therapy services. These supervision guidelines are to assist in the appropriate and effective provision of occupational therapy services. The guidelines themselves cannot be interpreted to constitute a standard of supervision in any particular locality. Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy aides are expected to meet applicable state and federal regulations, adhere to relevant workplace policies and the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2005) and participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain continuing competency.
I am indebted to many people who have helped me on my journey to the completion of this doctoral ... more I am indebted to many people who have helped me on my journey to the completion of this doctoral dissertation. My husband Steve Ramsland and my son Ian McFadden always believed in me and put up with many long nights and lost weekends. My academic advisor and dissertation chair, Dr. Robert Burns, was a stern yet compassionate guide, providing the right amount of support and challenge to keep me moving forward. Dissertation committee member Dr. Susan Evans was equally inspiring, demanding a degree of academic rigor I sometimes doubted I could produce. Dr. Joan Avis, the third member of my dissertation committee, offered enthusiastic support, for which I am grateful. I also owe a big debt of gratitude to Dr. Martha Nelson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Dominican University, who hired me when the occupational therapy program was just a dream, and helped me bring that dream and the dream of my doctoral degree into reality. A big thank you to all the faculty, staff, and students in the occupational therapy program at Dominican University of California. Thank you also to my other Dominican colleagues who supported me throughout the doctoral process. Finally, I wish to thank the participants in this study, who readily agreed to be interviewed and observed, who put their heart and hands into their work, and who daily achieve small miracles. It is by your grace that this dissertation exists.
Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, 2015
Ramsey, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and enthusiasm throughout our thesis process. W... more Ramsey, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and enthusiasm throughout our thesis process. We would also like to acknowledge Ted Peterson, NFD Battalion Chief and Director of EMS, Keri Hamby, NFD firefighter/paramedic, and Patricia Reyes, the evaluation consultant, for their time and support in our research study. A special thank you to the residents and staff from the care facilities and the first responders from the Novato Fire District for their participation in this research study. We would also like to thank our research assistants for their help in data entry and transcriptions. I, Monica Fernandez, would like to thank God for giving me the strength to overcome all the obstacles that I have encountered during this journey, for allowing me to accomplish my goals, and providing me with many blessings along the way. After endless days of hard work and sleepless nights I am grateful for finally ending this chapter of my life. I owe my deepest gratitude to the most important people in my life, my wonderful parents, Cecilia Mendez and Cristobal Fernandez, for their unconditional love, endless support, and always giving their everything to help me become a better human being. In addition, I would like to specially thank my amazing siblings, Cristina Fernandez and Cristobal Fernandez Jr., for their exceptional guidance, assistance, and love through this process. I am also grateful for my awesome roommates/sisters, Kristina Mohler and Faatuaiitaua Tunai, for giving me an extreme amount of love and support to accomplish this goal. Thank you to my dearest friend, Estela Trujillo, for always being by my side through my best and worst times in college. In addition, I would like to thank my friends and acquaintances who have made a difference in my life and in one way or v another have encouraged me to get this far. Last but not least, I would like to thank my thesis partners, Anita Hin and Chelsea Prado, for being so patient and understanding. They are the best thesis partners ever. I, Anita Hin, would like to thank God for His grace in sustaining me throughout these past few years of graduate school and challenging me to grow and mature in ways that I would never have imagined. I am extremely thankful for my parents who have exemplified diligence, dedication, and perseverance in all that they do. I cannot thank them enough for the love, care, and support throughout all these years. Additionally, I would like to thank my sisters for always making me laugh and forcing me to take muchneeded breaks. Special thanks to my church family, especially the girls in my small group, for their continued support, words of encouragement, and prayers throughout every step of the way. Scott, thank you for always being there to listen, cheer me on, make me laugh, and pray for me during the good and difficult times. Your love and patience means so much to me. I would also like to thank my classmates for all the wonderful memories that we've shared. I could not have asked for a better class to be a part of! And lastly, I would like to thank my thesis partners, Chelsea Prado and Monica Fernandez, for the time and dedication they've put into this thesis. We finally made it! I, Chelsea Prado, would like to thank my parents, Jorge and Myrna Prado, for all their love and support throughout my education. They have motivated me to strive for the best and I will be forever thankful. I would like to thank my best friends for all always being by my side when I needed it the most. A special thank you to all my classmates as we shared a special bond, became a family, and created priceless memories throughout our journey in the occupational therapy program. And lastly, I would like to thank my vi thesis partners, Anita Hin and Monica Fernandez, for all their hard work and dedication throughout the entire thesis process. No matter what road bumps laid ahead of us, we were able to overcome those obstacles and have grown so much. I could not have been happier to be paired up with such great thesis partners. vii Abstract OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this study were to identify characteristics of older adult fallers in a local community in Marin County, California, examine the perceptions of older adults who contacted a local fire district after a fall, examine the perceptions of first responders from a local fire district regarding falls and fall prevention, explore the degree of depression in older adult fallers, and identify strategies to prevent falls in older adults. METHODS. This research study was an exploratory and retrospective descriptive study that utilized a mixed-method design. The researchers coded narratives from Patient Care Report (PCRs) provided by the fire district and also quantitatively analyzed PCRs to identify characteristics of older adult fallers. Researchers also qualitatively analyzed data gathered from focus groups with older adults and first responders and from phone interviews with community-dwelling older adults to understand their experiences regarding falls and fall prevention. RESULTS. Findings revealed that the majority of fallers were female, at an average age of 81 years old, living at home and alone during the fall. Older adult participants associated falls with negative emotions and expressed a strong desire to maintain their independence despite experiencing falls and fall injuries. First responder participants experienced challenges when communicating with older adult fallers due to cognitive and psychosocial factors. The lack of coordination of services with care facility staff also posed a challenge for first responder participants. viii CONCLUSION. As the older adult population increases, more older adults will fall and require emergency care from first responders. A collaboration between first responders and occupational therapists to develop and implement effective fall prevention programs for the community can potentially reduce falls and fall-related injuries and costs and improve the health and well-being of older adults. x
to design and deliver a series of fall prevention workshops for older adults living in the commun... more to design and deliver a series of fall prevention workshops for older adults living in the community. The faculty member from DUC helped design and develop the workshops, and a community-practicing occupational therapist delivered the workshops to over 100 seniors, who were also given specialized exercise booklets to take home. This program is an excellent example of campuscommunity partnerships that can be developed to promote the health of older adults living in the community.
The purpose of this document is to define the scope of practice in occupational therapy in order ... more The purpose of this document is to define the scope of practice in occupational therapy in order to 1. delineate the domain of occupational therapy practice that directs the focus and actions of services provided by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; 2. delineate the dynamic process of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention services to achieve outcomes that support the participation of clients in their everyday life activities (occupations); 3. describe the education and certification requirements to practice as an occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant; and 4. inform consumers, health care providers, educators, the community, funding agencies, payers, referral sources, and policymakers regarding the scope of occupational therapy.
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