16.2% of physical therapists work in geriatrics, long-term care, and skilled nursing facilities. Common diagnoses treated include arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, and dementia. Therapists aim to improve range of motion, strength, balance and independence through exercises and equipment tailored for elderly patients. Ongoing education and collaboration with other healthcare providers is important for quality care.

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2.  Percentage of PTA’s working in the
setting
 Salary range
 Diagnoses
 Treatments
 Equipment
 Education
 Recognition
 APTA Specialty Section web site
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3.  Is healthcare of the elderly.
› It is to promote health and to prevent and
treat diseases and disabilities in older adults.
› There is no set age.
› Determined by problems that geriatrics focus
on.
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4.  Long Term Care
› The provision of medical, social, and
personal care services on a recurring or
continuing basis to persons with chronic
physical or mental disorders.
› The care may be provided in environments
ranging from institutions to private homes.
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5.  Skilled Nursing Facility
› It is an establishment that houses chronically
ill, usually elderly patients, and provides long-
term nursing care, rehabilitation, and other
services.
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6.  16.2% of PTA’s work in the Geriatrics-LTC-
SNF specialty.
› This makes Geriatrics the second highest
setting to where PTA’s work.
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7.  Hourly rate range:
› $18.51 - $24.99
 Factors that will affect salary:
› State to which you are employed
› Years of experience
› Type of facility
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8.  Common Conditions in Geriatrics:
› Arthritis
› Osteoporosis
› Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)
› Cancer
› Parkinson's Disease
› Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
› Amputations
› Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases
› Dementias
› Alzheimer's Disease
› Coordination and Balance Disorders
› Functional Limitations related to mobility
› Sports/Orthopedic Injuries
› Joint Replacements
› Hip Fractures
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9. › Increase, restore or maintain range of motion,
physical strength, flexibility, coordination, balance
and endurance
› Recommend adaptations to make the home
accessible and safe
› Teach positioning, transfers, and walking skills;
promote maximum function and independence
within an individual's capability
› Increase overall fitness through exercise programs
› Prevent further decline in functional abilities through
education, energy conservation techniques, joint
protection, and use of assistive devices to promote
independence
› Improve sensation, joint proprioception
› Reduce pain
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10.  Some equipment to use with elderly:
› Theraband
› 12 inch ball
› 32-38 inch ball
› Mat table
› Floor mat
› Stairs
› Ramp
› Gait belt
› Home exercise program
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11.  Effects of aging on:
› Joints and ligaments
› Central Nervous System
› Cardiac considerations
 Balance and Falls
 Loss, Grief, and Adjustment
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12.  Work together on evaluation of patient:
› Geriatrician
› Nurse
› Social worker
› Nutritionist
› Physical therapist
› Occupational therapist
› Consultant pharmacist
› Geropsychiatrist
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13.  Recognition of Advanced Proficiency
› Current member of APTA
› Five years of work experience
› At least 60 contact hours of continuing
education within the last five years.
› Letter of reference for above-average job
performance.
› Involvement in at least three activities to
demonstrate leadership to the community
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14.  Benefits for being selected for the
Proficiency Award:
1. Increased confidence in the provision of
patient care.
2. External recognition from APTA.
3. Reinforcement of life-long learning.
4. Distinction that assists with career
advancement
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15.  http://www.geriatricspt.org
 Offers:
› Education Information
› Research
› Publications
› Practice
› News
› Updates
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16.  The Geriatric-LTC-SNF setting deals with
many diagnosis's and treatments.
 There are many different types of
equipment that can be used for therapy,
you just have to use the ones that will
benefit your patient the best.
 Continuing Education will help you provide
the best quality of care and strength
training to your patients.
 Being able to work well with the Geriatric
team will help benefit the patient to the
fullest.
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17.  www.apta.org
 www.geriatricspt.org
 www.americangeriatrics.org
 http://community.advanceweb.com
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