Advanced Competency in Home Health - Elective Course 

This 1.5 CEU elective course satisfies 2 HOURS of credit for PTs towards their ACHH Certification. It is also a stand-alone course & you are not required to participate in the ACHH program in order to complete this course for CE credit. Click here  to learn more about the Advanced Competency.

Level: Intermediate 

Course Description

As the average human lifespan extends, physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work with a patient population that is increasingly older and has more health complications. Consequently, the incidence and risk for a patient developing malnutrition or other nutritional-associated complications has increased. As older adults represent a majority of those receiving home care services, home health PTs and PTAs have numerous opportunities to intervene to improve patient nutrition and health. Home health therapists should be knowledgeable about the effects of nutritional intake on older adults, as well as the factors that affect food consumption. With the addition of a simple screening process, clinicians can determine appropriate nutritional recommendations.

This course will assist the home health therapist and assistant to identify potential nutritional-associated complications and the risk of malnutrition. The content will include an outline of the steps for nutritional intervention, including increased interprofessional collaboration to improve patient outcomes.

Course Objectives

By the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the role that home health therapists play in nutritional screening.
• Identify the prevalence and effects of malnutrition in older adults.
• Use various nutritional screening tools and other beneficial resources for the home health population.
• Discuss appropriate nutritional recommendations for improved nutritional intake and reduced risk of malnutrition or other nutritional-associated complications.

Meet Our Presenter

Patrick Berner, PT, DPT, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist 

Dr. Berner is a physical therapist and registered dietitian nutritionist practicing in upstate South Carolina. He is one of only a few of individuals in the country who holds this combination of credentials. Dr. Berner received his Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine and completed his Dietetic Internship through the University of Houston. His company, Fuel Physio, LLC, focuses on providing quality education, consulting, and coaching for general health and well-being of individuals, with an emphasis on human movement and nutrition. While facilitating healthier work environments and communities, Dr. Berner currently sits on the steering committee for APTA’s Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness in Physical Therapy and is an advocate for physical therapists’ involvement in population health. He is known to be an engaging and experienced speaker on topics of health promotion and wellness and integrating nutrition in physical therapy practice.

Course Fees

• APTA Home Health Member - $54.00
• APTA Member - $60.00*
• Non-Member - $100.00

* APTA Members who are NOT Home Health members - please email us atadmin@homehealthsection.orgto receive a discount code to register with APTA Member pricing.

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