Patient Identification in Health Promotion, Wellness, and Prevention for Older Adults
Patient identification extends beyond ensuring the correct person receives treatment—it is an important strategy for promoting health, wellness, and preventive care in older adults. Within occupational therapy, identifying individuals who are at risk for functional decline, falls, cognitive changes, social isolation, or chronic disease allows practitioners to provide education, screening, and early interventions before significant disability or injury occurs. Rather than waiting for an illness, hospitalization, or injury to require skilled occupational therapy services, occupational therapists can partner with older adults through wellness programs, lifestyle modification, environmental assessments, and health education to maintain independence and participation in meaningful activities. A proactive approach to patient identification supports healthy aging, reduces healthcare costs, and helps older adults remain engaged in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify Risk Factors Early
o Recognize older adults at risk for functional decline, falls, chronic disease complications, cognitive changes, or social isolation to support early intervention and healthy aging.
2. Promote Health and Wellness
o Implement evidence-informed occupational therapy strategies that encourage healthy routines, physical activity, home safety, stress management, and participation in meaningful occupations before the onset of disability.
3. Prevent Functional Decline
o Educate older adults and caregivers on preventive approaches that maintain independence, reduce health risks, and support long-term participation in daily activities and community life through early identification and wellness-focused interventions.
Bio/Focus
Laurie Cecchi, OT, OTR, CDCS (Certified Dementia Care Specialist) is a highly respected dementia specialist with 35 years of experience in clinical practice. With a strong passion for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia, Laurie has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge, care practices, and policy changes in this critical area. Laurie is currently a full- time professor at Springfield Technical Community College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She founded Caregiver Support Solutions, which provides in person and virtual, evidence-informed coaching, education, and consultation to caregivers of individuals living with dementia, bridging the gap between clinical dementia expertise and everyday caregiver support.
Prior to her employment at STCC, she worked for more than a decade on the national clinical practice team for Genesis Rehab Services, serving as the Massachusetts dementia consultant for more than 20 facilities throughout the state.
In the fall of 2025, she was awarded the Herbert Hall Award at MAOT, which recognizes clinicians who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy in the state of Massachusetts.
Laurie is the Chair of the Agawam Council on Aging and leads a monthly caregiver support group at the Agawam Senior Center.
Laurie has been a featured speaker at both national and state conferences where she has shared insights on aging in place with individuals living with dementia, effective therapeutic approaches, and early identification.
References:
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practiceframework: Domain and process (4th ed.).
American Journal of Occupational Therapy,74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010.
https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2021). Occupational therapy in the promotion of health and well-being. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(3), 7503420010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.753003
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). The role of occupational therapy in primary care. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 3), 7413410005. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S3005
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2019). Health management. In Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process
Registration closes at 4pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
