August 2021 • Vol. 28 No

From the Editor

I’ve long been a fan of the Otago exercise program for outpatients and home health clients alike. It is simple, easy for people to understand, non-painful to participate in, and part of a body of impressive research on fall risk reduction. The program is effective to reduce falls and fall-related injuries among individuals at high risk, particularly adults over 80 years of age and those who have fallen within the past year. It also turns out to be a program method that is exceptionally adjustable to multiple settings and delivery methods.

In the May 2021 issue GeriNotes, we published a novel study using the Otago as a group exercise method in a SNF with good results (read Tiffany Shubert’s invited commentary on page ___ in this issue). This month features an Otago telehealth delivery program complete with included resources and a guide that was thoughtfully constructed by physical therapy students at the University of Vermont [HUGE kudos to instructor Lee Karlsson PT, DPT, MScPH and faculty Nancy Gell PT, PhD, MPH]. Like using Otago groups in skilled nursing homes, this is another “read about today, use in the clinical setting tomorrow" idea that is free for the steal for GeriNotes readers.

With Fall prevention month just around the bend and the likelihood that we won’t be seeing the end of COVID-19 restrictions/hesitancy in the immediate future, consider this idea for a program that can be started safely and inexpensively to promote "Still Going Strong."

I live in Wisconsin, a state where weather related cancellations are very common by ageing clients. Instead of continually taking the “hit” to your production by late cancellations, could you have a fall risk reduction program that encourages your patient to continue their balance work under your guidance with a telehealth program that is set up and ready to go? Michele Stanley Editor, GeriNotes

With Fall prevention month just around the bend and the likelihood that we won’t be seeing the end of COVID-19 restrictions/hesitancy in the immediate future, consider starting an Otago telehealth delivery program.

This issue of GeriNotes continues our mission to spotlight and celebrate fellow therapists who have blazed their own trail in creating alternative practices that work for them. Many of you are likely already somewhat familiar with the Facebook group called GEROS Community moderated by Dr. Dustin Jones PT, DPT. Dustin shares his private practice and philosophy in this month’s invited feature on interesting physical therapy practices. Make sure that you check out GEROS when you are perusing our own APTA Geriatrics Facebook Discussion Group.

Register for the free Journal Club discussion webinars and earn 1.5 contact hours. Questions for presenters may be emailed to gerinoteseditor@gmail.com before or on the day of the webinar. See what's coming up at https://geriatricspt.org/events/webinars/.

GeriNotes

GeriNotes Editorial Board Michele Stanley PT, DPT Debra Barrett PT Jennifer Bottomley PT, MS, PhD Kathy Brewer PT, DPT, MEd Chris Childers PT, PhD Jill Heitzman PT, DPT, PhD Lise McCarthy PT, DPT William Staples PT, DPT, DHSc Ellen Strunk PT, MS Published in January March May August November

Copy Deadlines February 1 April 1 July 1 September 1 GeriNotes Editor November 1 Michele Stanley, PT, DPT gerinoteseditor@gmail.com Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. GeriNotes is the official magazine of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. It is not, however, a peer-reviewed publication. Opinions expressed by the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the APTA Geriatrics. The Editor reserves the right to edit manuscripts as necessary for publication.

APTA Geriatrics does not endorse, publish, or promote products, services, or events sponsored or hosted by for-profit commercial entities. For-profit companies and corporations may request to advertise on any of APTA Geriatrics’ platforms at the published rates. All advertisements that appear in or accompany GeriNotes are accepted on the basis of conformation to ethical physical therapy standards. Advertising does not imply endorsement by APTA Geriatrics. Mission: To provide engaging content that empowers the community of physical therapy clinicians to build expertise and expand the delivery of evidence‐informed care that promotes health and wellness in ageing adults. Vision: To create an evolving online community through which clinicians develop their knowledge and skills based in shared ideals that are person‐centered; and promote a world where ageing adults move, live, and age well.