From fear to freedom: Assessments and interventions for fear of falling avoidance behaviour (October 31, 2023)

Presented by: John V. Rider, PhD, MS, OTR/L, MSCS

Fear of falling is a significant concern among older adults (e.g., Schoene et al., 2019) and those with neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Rider et al., 2022). This fear of falling can lead to activity avoidance behaviour, resulting in restricted participation in valued occupations and downstream consequences, such as further psychological and physical decline, isolation, and increased likelihood of falls.

This webinar will explore concepts related to fear of falling, such as balance confidence, falls efficacy, fear of falling itself, and fear of falling avoidance behaviour, and their impact on occupational performance and participation. Protective (i.e., adaptive) and excessive (i.e., maladaptive) forms of fear of falling avoidance behaviour will be described using a framework to help occupational therapists identify the appropriateness of their client’s fear of falling avoidance behaviour. Lastly, assessment methods, with standardized assessments, will be provided along with a description of evidence-informed intervention approaches to address fear of falling avoidance behaviour.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe fear of falling avoidance behaviour and the downstream biopsychosocial consequences.
2. Compare and contrast adaptive and maladaptive fear of falling avoidance behaviour and their implications for occupational therapy practice.
3. Describe evidence-based assessment methods and interventions to mitigate excessive fear of falling avoidance behaviour.

Level 
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)