Summer 2023 Newsletter
Jennifer Moore, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CLA – Dean, School of Occupational Therapy
Through the generous subaward granted, students from the Schools of Occupational and Physical Therapy – ACHE OT and ACHE PT at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education were able to engage in a geriatric-focused education and training.
Specifically, an evidence-based curriculum that includes quality physical, mental, and emotional care while infusing cultural, ethical, patient-centered concepts that focus on what matters most to the older adult was incorporated in ACHE OT and ACHE PT doctoral curricula. The learning activities focused on the Age-Friendly Health System’s 4 M’s (Mentation, Mobility, Medication & What Matters). The following learning experiences and activities were carried out:
- The components of the 4M’s Age-Friendly Care Curriculum were created and embedded into occupational therapy’s Productive Aging course and physical therapy’s Geriatric Physical Therapy course. The learning activities will be implemented in the courses during the Fall 2023 semester. Examples of learning activities:
- Interprofessional Fall Risks and Home Evaluation assignment – students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing will collaborate to conduct a fall risks assessment and home evaluation, analyze the results of the assessments, and design a program to ensure the safety of the older adults living in their homes. This face-to-face collaboration will help students learn how to work effectively as an interprofessional team to provide best practice for the older adults served.
- Intraprofessional assignment with occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students (ACHE OT and Delaware OTA programs). This virtual collaboration will help students learn how to work effectively as an intraprofessional team to provide best practice for the older adults served.
- Fall prevention program – led by trained Matter of Balance faculty, occupational therapy students will engage/help facilitate in the Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program with community dwelling older adults in Sebastian County.
- Assistive Technology assignment – students from ACHE OT will design, train/educate older adults from the community in the use of assistive technologies to enhance independence with self-care activities, home and community mobility, health management (medication management, exercise, etc.), leisure, and social participation. This assignment will help students incorporate knowledge and skills learned from the Optimizing Occupations Through Technology course in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
- Walkability assignment – students from ACHE OT will engage in a walkability study. The purpose of this assignment is for students to gain competency in evaluating and designing solutions for older adults to enhance community mobility.
- CarFit – students from ACHE OT will engage in a CarFit experience. The purpose of this assignment is for students to gain competency in evaluating the needs of older adults to enhance community mobility and driving safety.
- Dementia assignment – students from ACHE OT will engage in a dementia simulation through the use of technology and experience. The purpose of this assignment is for students to gain a better understanding of the challenges of patients with dementia and their family experiences to be a better healthcare provider.
- Acting Creates Therapeutic Success (ACTS) – the subaward funds provided resources to support the ACTS program for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in the community. ACTS is a community based program designed to provide opportunities for participation in the performing arts. The program is led by occupational therapy faculty and students, is held weekly throughout the year, and culminates in a public performance. In addition, students have the opportunity to engage with older adults with ID/DD in the program; thereby developing knowledge and skills in best practice as they work with this population.
- The public is invited to attend The Great Diamond Heist that will be held on August 29, 2023 at 6:00 at the AR Colleges of Health Education Research Institute Health and Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, AR. For more information, please contact Jennifer Moore at jennifer.moore@achehealth.edu
The Schools of Occupational and Physical Therapy from the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education thank Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative for providing the generous funds to support these activities and opportunities that enhance the learning of healthcare students and enrich the lives of older adults.