By Amanda Rausch

Definitions What is Geriatrics Physical TherapyWhat % of PTAs (nationally/regionally) work in

the settingWhat might be a salary range in the settingWhat types of patients (diagnosis) and

treatments seen in the settingAny advanced skill, training or recognition

needed or could be obtained to work in the setting.

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

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.

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/Geriatricshttp://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapy

ArthritisOsteoporosisCancerAlzheimer's DiseaseParkinson's Disease AmputationsHip and Joint

ReplacementCoordination and

Balance Disorders Dementias

http://www.physicaltherapydictionary.com/g.aspx?Term=Geriatric%20Physical%20Therapyhttp://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

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

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.cfmhttp://i.ehow.com/images/a04/pg/vo/physical-therapist-assistant-skills-200X200.jpg

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.pdfhttp://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/pubs/workforce/pta2010.pdf

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.htmhttp://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm#emply

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

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//ww

w.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/internal_medicine/images/j0409517.jpg%3f11/7/2008%252011%3a26%3a18%2520AM

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_physic

al_therapist_assistant 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-Progr

am/25885 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-certifica

tion 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

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