APTA MT Webinar Series: Rural Living and Aging-In-Place: The Role of PT in Home Evals/Home Mods for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Other Cognitive Impairments


When: 9/11/2024 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual Meeting - Meeting link is provided after registering.
1 hour CE, Category A


Course Description:
This 1-hour, intermediate-level webinar for PTs and PTAs will follow and expand the first session on Aging-in-Place. This course will highlight the need for the PT to complete effective patient and home evaluations with recommendations for home modifications specific to the needs of people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or other cognitive impairments both as adults and as they age.
Data regarding falls and their causation and prevention in these populations will be discussed. Basic terminology such as developmental disabilities, livable communities, dementia-friendly communities will be reviewed. Novel methods to assess and facilitate changes in the environment will be presented. Case examples specific to adults with IDD and cognitive impairment will be shared for analysis and discussion of interprofessional work, appropriate referrals, and available funding. Organizations that support IDD/cognitive impairment (e.g. The Arc of the U.S., Alzheimer's Association, Special Olympics, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) will be presented as resources.
Establishing critical relationships in your area with fall prevention coalitions, MonTECH, OTs and OTAs, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, contractors with experience in reasonable home modifications, and firefighters/EMTs who respond to "frequent fall calls" will support your community's ability to live and age-in-place.


Course Objectives:
At the end of this session, the attendees will be able to
  • Review and apply an environmental scan/home evaluation needed to assure safety and fall prevention for the patient, family members, and/or caregivers; including but not limited to safe entrance/egress, functional independence for self-care, gait/mobility, and required activities for adults with IDD or cognitive impairment.
  • 2Review novel methods to assess the environment and facilitate change in these populations.
  • Analyze and plan for modifications and required teaching for patients/clients with cognitive limitations to meet the goals of effective communication and understanding.
  • Assist the patient/family/caregiver with selection and financing possibilities to complete construction and/or supply assistive devices and/or technology.

About the Speaker:
Dr. Bainbridge has worked in many aspects of the physical therapy profession including patient care, program development and research. She was Director of Practice at American Physical Therapy Association from 1999-2002. She has taught at many universities including Hahnemann University, Boston University, Mass General Institute of Health Professionals, University of Maryland-Baltimore, and University of Indianapolis. She currently teaches online at the University of Montana in the College of Health Professions and in the School of Public and Community Health.
She founded and was Special Olympics Global Clinical Advisor for FUNfitness, coordinating global development of fitness assessment and programming for people with intellectual disability, and training physical therapists to host the FUNfitness screening in their countries. She coordinates the World Physiotherapy Community of Interest for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and is on the Steering Committee for the Health Promotion in Life and Work Community.
Her practice has focused on fitness and wellness in persons of all ages with an emphasis on those with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Her research interest is validation of balance assessment and programming in people with cognitive impairments. She has researched and published in these areas and presented nationally and internationally. She enjoys gardening, antiques, art collecting, genealogy, and calligraphy. She and her husband love their cardigan Welsh Corgis and the beauty of Montana.

How to obtain your CE Certificate:
Your Certificate of Completion will be provided after attending the course 

How to Connect:
Your Zoom connection information will be included in your confirmation email after registration is complete.

About APTA MT Webinar Series:
We are bringing you a one hour CE, to your home, once a quarter. If you are interested in presenting in this webinar series, please submit a proposal with your course description, objectives, and brief bio to jeannekorn60@gmail.com or to this office at MontanaPT@aptamt.com