1. By
Amanda Rausch

2. Definitions
What is Geriatrics Physical Therapy
What % of PTAs (nationally/regionally) work in
the setting
What might be a salary range in the setting
What types of patients (diagnosis) and
treatments seen in the setting
Any advanced skill, training or recognition
needed or could be obtained to work in the
setting.

3. Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of medicine that
focuses on health care of the elderly. It aims to
promote health and to prevent and treat diseases
and disabilities in older adults.
There is no set age at which patients may be
under the care of a geriatrician. Rather, this is
determined by a profile of the typical problems
that geriatrics focuses on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geriatrics

4. long-term care (LTC)
 The provision of medical,
social, and personal care
services on a recurring or
continuing basis to
persons with chronic
physical or mental
disorders.
skilled nursing facility
(SNF)
An establishment that
houses chronically ill,
usually elderly patients,
and provides long-term
nursing care,
rehabilitation, and other
services. Also called
long-term care facility,
nursing home.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All
rights reserved.
Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. © 2008 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Geriatric physical therapy covers a wide area of
issues concerning people as they go through
normal adult aging, but is usually focused on the
older adult.
Geriatric physical therapy helps in developing a
specialized program to help restore mobility,
reduce pain, increase fitness levels and more.
Geriatrics was separated from internal medicine
as a distinct entity in the same way that
neonatology is separated from pediatrics.
Was termed as a medical specialty in 1989.
http://organizedwisdom.com/Geriatric_Physical_Therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geriatrics
http://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapy

6. Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Amputations
Hip and Joint
Replacement
Coordination and
Balance Disorders
Dementias
http://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapy
http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/PTadult.cfm
Cerebral Vascular
Accident (Stroke)
Urinary and Fecal
Incontinence
Cardiac and Pulmonary
Diseases
Functional Limitations
related to mobility
Sports/Orthopedic
Injuries
Hip Fractures

7. A Physical Therapist, working with the older adult,
understands the anatomical and physiological
changes that occur with normal aging. The
Physical Therapist will evaluate and develop a
specially designed therapeutic exercise program.
Physical therapy intervention may prevent life
long disability and restore the highest level of
functioning. Through the use of tests,
evaluations, exercises, treatments with
modalities, screening programs, as well as
educational information
http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/PTadult.cfm

8.  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
http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/PTadult.cfm
http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/pg/vo/physical-therapist-assistant-skills-200X200.jpg

10. Nationally about 5.9-6.9% of PTA’s work
in a LTC or SNF place of employment.
In MN 23% of PTA’s work in a Long Term
Care or Skilled Nursing Facilities
ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/ep/ind-occ.matrix/occ_pdf/occ_31-2021.pdf
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/pubs/workforce/pta2010.pdf

11. The average Salary for a PTA in nursing
care facilities is around $48,000
On the higher end can receive $51,090-
$52,700
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm#emply

12. Must have an associates degree from an
accredited PT assistant program
Work under the direct supervision of a Physical
Therapist
Meet licensure requirements in states where it's
required
A PTA can get advanced training that focuses on
just Geriatrics
http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/PTadult.cfm

13.  http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/long-term+care
 http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/skilled+nursing+facility
 http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PDoTB4pctMmz0A02CjzbkF/SIG=13t8do6d0/EXP=1288500984/**http%3a//www.med
 http://newpassionhomecare.com/images/img_2.jpg
 http://www.coffeyhealth.org/coffeycountyhospital/physicaltherapy/
 http://www.fitplan.com/physical_therapy/index.html
 http://www.evh.org/htm/physical.htm
 http://triadcareers.news-record.com/content/2010/02/19/article/motion_motivator_on_the_job_with_a_physical_the
 http://dynamicptservices.com/aquatic-therapy
 http://www.atlhomecare.net/visiting-home-health-care.html
 http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video/Self-Development/Healing/Physical-Therapist-Assistant-Program/258
 http://trib.com/special-section/health-med-fit/health/article_518b77ee-8a64-53e2-9cac-a4ee9d8b75df.html
 http://allhealthcare.monster.com/training/articles/2684-physical-therapists-stand-out-with-specialty-certification
 http://www.etonhomehealth.com/Services_Physical_Therapy.aspx
 http://blog.mlive.com/saginawnews/2008/02/WiiHabilitation2.jpg
 http://qwickstep.com/search/physical-therapy-assistant-salary.html

14.  http://www.nmhnj.org/images/img_physical_therapy.jpg
 http://www.somersmanor.com/images/rehabilitation/rehab_top.jpg
 ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/ep/ind-occ.matrix/occ_pdf/occ_31-2021.pdf
 http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/pubs/workforce/pta2010.pdf
 http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/PTadult.cfm
 http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm
 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm#emply
 ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/ep/ind-occ.matrix/occ_pdf/occ_31-2021.pdf
 http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/pubs/workforce/pta2010.pdf
 http://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapy
 http://organizedwisdom.com/Geriatric_Physical_Therapy
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geriatrics
 http://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapy
 http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_is_a_PTA_salary
 http://www.saintpetershcs.com/uploadedImages/Margret_McLaughlin_McCarrick_Care_Center/nurse_help.jpg
 http://www.d-mpt.com/images/services/GeriatricsWeb.jpg