Date: March 30, 2023

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Platform:Zoom Webinar

Home Health is filled with dizzy patients … but how do you know what the underlying problem is and how to help them? This presentation will assist the Home Health clinician with understanding what questions can be asked to help determine the source of the dizziness, and when to refer to a vestibular therapist for further evaluation. By the end of this presentation, clinicians will have been introduced to the vestibular system and will understand the differences between a patient who is dizzy, unsteady, or experiencing vertigo. Clinicians will feel comfortable knowing when to refer for further evaluation of dizziness and will have an understanding about basic assessment and treatment strategies for the vestibular and dizzy patient.

o Understand the differences between dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo.

o Know what to ask and recognize when to refer your patient for vestibular evaluation.

o Understand assessment strategies for vestibular patients in Home Health.

o Learn appropriate vestibular treatment options for the home health patient.

Kelly O’Donaughy, PT at Evergreen Home Health Care

Kelly has been a Physical Therapist for twenty-five years and has worked as a physical therapist in settings across the continuum of care in the rehab process. Kelly was a vestibular therapist in an outpatient clinic for 18 years, prior to specializing in the care of dizzy patients in the Home Health setting.

Kelly received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professionals in Boston. She has completed coursework for advanced vestibular therapy treatments in outpatient and homecare settings and is part of the Special Interest Group at Evergreen for Vestibular Therapy. Kelly is employed as a staff Physical Therapist and Vestibular Therapist at Evergreen Home Health.