Skip to Main Content

Gerontology and geriatric physical therapy (GPT501): Course Outline (GPT501)

Geriatric physical therapists focus on improving function and quality of life for older adults.

Course description

The course covers normal aging process, physiological and psychological changes and their effects on daily living activities (ADL) and instrumental daily living activities (IADL). Relevant testes and measures for determining impairment and differentiating the diagnosis based on the specificity andsensitivity of the assessment instruments as related to patients with geriatric conditions are discussed. The use of evidence- based physical therapy intervention for geriatric conditions is emphasized. Topics will focus on medical terminology, clinical examination, evaluation, comparing contemporary, traditional interventions and the impact of evolving technology in this area

Learning objectives

  • Discuss common Geriatric conditions relevant to physical therapy and get insight into human development
  • Evaluate the Geriatric problems
  • Formulate effective rehabilitation plans for Geriatric patients.

Recommended books

Relevant Books

Google search

Course contents

Gerontology

  • Introduction to Gerontology
  • Demographic Trends of an Aging Society
  • Social Gerontology
  • The Physiology and Pathology of Aging
  • The Cognitive and Psychological Changes Associated with Aging
  • Functional Performance in Later Life: Basic Sensory, Perceptual, and Physical Changes
  • Associated with Aging
  • Geriatric Pharmacotherapy
  • Sexuality and Aging
  • Living Options and the Continuum of Care
  • Legal and Financial Issues Related to Health Care for Older People
  • Health Care Providers Working With Older Adults
  • Future Concerns in an Aging Society
  • Health Literacy and Clear Health Communication

Geriatric physical therapy

  • Ageism
  • Myths and Facts about Older Adults
  • Age Bias in Healthcare
  • Geriatric Training and the Role of Physical Therapists

Normal physical changes in older adults

Breathing — the Respiratory System Beating

— the Cardiovascular System Thinking and Reacting

— the Nervous System Moving

— the Musculoskeletal System Eating & Eliminating

— the Gastrointestinal and Urinary Systems Metabolizing

— the Endocrine System Responding

— the Sensory System Sleeping and Other Physical Changes

Psychological changes

  • The 3 Ds and Suicide in Older Adults
  • Delirium
  • Dementia
  • Depression

Older adult abuse and neglect

  • Scope of Older Adult Abuse and Neglect
  • Clues to Abuse and Interventions

Triage and assessment

  • ABCs of Geriatric Assessment
  • Assessment Techniques and Atypical Presentations

Pain

  • Pain in Older Adults
  • Pain Assessment and Challenges
  • Impact of Physiological Changes
  • Medication and Pain Management
  • Medication Interactions
  • Medication and Food

Effects of age

  • Task Complexity,
  • Exercise
  • Ambulation.
  • PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR GERIATRICS IN VARIOUS NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS
  • Alzheimer‘s disease
  • Parkinsonism Cerebrovascular accident (C.V.A)
  • Poly neuropathies etc.

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Physical Therapy for Geriatrics in Various Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Hip & Knee Joint replacements
  • Soft tissue injuries

Balance and fall in elderly: issues in evaluation and treatment

  • Introduction
  • Defining the problem of falls, risk factors, and aging theory concept pertinent to falls in the elderly
  • Multi-faceted approach to the problem of the fall
  • Postural control theory, physiology of balance
  • Summary influence of age on postural control, the relationship between postural control and falls, A model, examination and evaluation, history, biological assessment, sensory effectors, strength, ROM, endurance, central processing, functional assessment, environmental assessment, psychosocial assessment, intervention

MEDICATIONS

Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Primary nutritional problems, limited fixed incomes, severely limited food choices, and availability.

Case Histories

  • Principles of assessment and outcome measures.
  • Documentation in SOAP notes format.
  • Evidence-based geriatric Physical Therapy Treatment protocols.