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Percentage of PTA’s working in the setting

Salary range

Diagnoses

Treatments

Equipment

Education

Recognition

APTA Specialty Section web site

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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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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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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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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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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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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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› 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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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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Effects of aging on:

› Joints and ligaments

› Central Nervous System

› Cardiac considerations

Balance and Falls

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment

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Work together on evaluation of patient:

› Geriatrician

› Nurse

› Social worker

› Nutritionist

› Physical therapist

› Occupational therapist

› Consultant pharmacist

› Geropsychiatrist

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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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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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http://www.geriatricspt.org

Offers:

› Education Information

› Research

› Publications

› Practice

› News

› Updates

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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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www.apta.org

www.geriatricspt.org

www.americangeriatrics.org

http://community.advanceweb.com

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