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Description

This capstone project developed and implemented a sensory-informed admission protocol to support fall prevention at a skilled nursing facility. The development of this protocol aimed to improve the early identification of vision and hearing impairments and integrate sensory considerations into resident care planning and fall prevention. Participants included newly admitted residents and interdisciplinary staff members from rehabilitation, nursing, and administration. Methods included administering the Screening for Severe Dual Sensory Loss (SDSL), reviewing resident characteristics and fall-related indicators, educating staff on sensory-informed care, and developing practical resources to support consistent screening, documentation, and intervention. Expected outcomes included increased staff knowledge, improved screening and documentation practices, greater interdisciplinary communication, and more individualized environmental and occupational strategies to promote resident safety, participation, and quality of life. The project highlights occupational therapy’s role in addressing sensory factors that may affect functional performance and fall risk in skilled nursing facilities.

Publication Date

Summer 2026

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Sensory-informed care, older adults, fall risk, vision, hearing, geriatric, dual sensory loss, Screening for Severe Dual Sensory Loss (SDSL), fall prevention, sensory screening

Medical Subject Headings

Sensory-informed care, older adults, fall risk, vision, hearing, geriatric, dual sensory loss, Screening for Severe Dual Sensory Loss (SDSL), fall prevention, sensory screening

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Implementing a Sensory-Informed Protocol for Fall Prevention in a Skilled Nursing Facility

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