OT in the Home: Addressing Progressive Neurological Conditions
Presented by Krista Covell-Pierson
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Progressive neurological conditions present complex and evolving challenges for individuals seeking to remain safely and independently in their homes. Occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in addressing the functional, cognitive, emotional, and environmental impacts of these diagnoses through person-centered and adaptable care. This course equips clinicians with the knowledge and tools to evaluate common impairments, implement targeted assessments, and design flexible interventions that evolve alongside disease progression. Using practical case examples and evidence-informed strategies, participants will learn how to navigate real-world treatment planning, support caregiver involvement, and develop meaningful goals to enhance quality of life. Applicable for OT practitioners in home health, mobile outpatient, palliative care, and hospice settings, this course emphasizes function-focused, empowering care that meets the needs of both patients and their care partners.
Learning Objectives
- Identify common symptoms and progressive patterns associated with neurological conditions that impact function and safety in the home environment
- Recognize three occupational therapy assessments appropriate for evaluating mobility, cognition, and fatigue in clients with progressive neurological disorders
- List practical caregiver education strategies that support safety, independence, and dignity for clients living with neurological conditions
- Select client-centered goals that support participation in meaningful occupations such as grooming, communication, or mobility across stages of disease progression
Meet your instructor
Krista Covell-Pierson
Krista Covell-Pierson is the owner and founder of Covell Care and Rehabilitation, an innovative mobile outpatient practice designed to help adults and older adults live safer, more independent, and engaged lives at home and in their communities. She developed this one-of-a-kind model from the ground up, integrating…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Why OT in the Home for Patients With Neurological Conditions?
This chapter provides an overview of common progressive neurological diagnoses and their prevalence within home health caseloads. Learners will explore the essential role of OT in preserving function, safety, and participation for individuals with neurologic impairments. Foundational OT frameworks such as the PEO Model, the rehabilitative frame of reference, and the cognitive disabilities frame of reference are introduced to guide clinical reasoning in complex, home-based care.
2. Where to Start With Neurological Disorders in the Home?
Clinicians are guided in how to evaluate patients beyond the diagnosis, emphasizing personalized care and functional relevance. This chapter reviews common impairments—such as fatigue, cognition, motor decline, and incontinence—and provides strategies to prioritize care while avoiding overwhelm. Emphasis is placed on active listening, caregiver collaboration, and identifying safety concerns that interfere with performance.
3. Assessments to Use in the Home
This chapter introduces key assessments to evaluate cognitive function, mobility, fatigue, ADL/IADL performance, and caregiver burden. Tools such as the SLUMS, Timed Up and Go, Fatigue Severity Scale, COPM, and Zarit Burden Interview are explained with examples of how to integrate findings into functional goal setting. Assessment selection is framed by both clinical relevance and client context.
4. Treatment Interventions
Learners will explore how to anchor interventions in function using real-life examples that incorporate both patient and caregiver perspectives. Treatment strategies target cognition, environmental context, safety, and energy conservation. The chapter also highlights documentation tips for insurance justification and promotes the use of creativity and empowerment through the PEO Model to improve engagement and sustainability.
5. Where Do We Go From Here?
The final chapter focuses on effective discharge planning, community resource connection, and long-term patient and caregiver support. Practitioners will learn how to develop a roadmap for ongoing care, foster self-advocacy, and connect clients to disease-specific organizations and support networks. The importance of continued professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized to support this evolving patient population.
More courses in this series
OT in the Home: Guided Safety and Environmental Assessments
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OT in the Home: Foundations of Assistive Tech and Equipment
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OT in the Home: Interventions for Low Vision
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OT in the Home: Addressing Progressive Neurological Conditions
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OT in the Home: Managing Chronic Pain and Fatigue
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OT in the Home: Pelvic Health Strategies for General Practitioners
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OT in the Home: Addressing Depression, Anxiety, and Isolation
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OT in the Home: Reducing Caregiver Burden and Connecting Resources
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