Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. We completed a pilot study of an 8-week Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease program (MY-OT for PD). MY-OT for PD was a fall-risk self-management program that merged community-based yoga and group OT. Participants served as their own controls during the pilot study. During the intervention period (as compared with the control period), participants experienced reduced self-reported falls, improved fall management and prevention, and improved balance. Primary Author and Speaker: Laura A. Swink Contributing Authors: Brett Fling, Julia L. Sharp, Christine A. Fruhauf, Karen Atler, and Arlene Schmid

This systematic review examines the efficacy of yoga as a neuromuscular intervention for community-dwelling populations at risk for falls to determine its utility for use in occupational therapy intervention. Populations included older adults and adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)–type dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Benefits of yoga include improved posture control, improved flexibility of mind and body, relaxation, and decreased anxiety and stress. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to understand the salutary benefits of yoga for clients who are at risk for falls because of neuromuscular issues. Moderate evidence supports the use of yoga to decrease the risk for falls for community-dwelling older adults and people with CVA, dementia and AD-type dementia, and MS. Studies involving people with TBI and PD did not include strong enough evidence to be able to make a clear classification.

OBJECTIVE. Homelessness prematurely ages people. A large subgroup of formerly homeless adults between ages 40 and 64 yr have health conditions similar to or worse than people categorized as elderly. Little is known about the impact of this group’s chronic health conditions on their ability to safely function in supportive housing. METHOD. Home safety visits were carried out with 25 formerly homeless adults, ages 40–64 yr, now residing in supportive housing. RESULTS. Participants had physical, cognitive, and mental health problems that significantly interfered with their ability to perform daily life skills, safely function in an apartment, and manage chronic health conditions. Home safety hazards included cluttered walking paths, the presence of steps, and the lack of grab bars and nonskid flooring. CONCLUSION. The homeless population would benefit from aging specialists, such as occupational therapists, who could help people to maintain and function more safely in their homes. Without such services, this population may be at risk for home safety events leading to hospitalization and mortality.