Geriatrics is the study of diseases and problems affecting older people. While most PTAs work in hospitals, 7% work in nursing homes where the average salary is $52,700. Patients in long-term care facilities are often elderly but can also be people recovering from illnesses or surgeries. PTAs use various treatments for geriatric patients like aquatic therapy, ultrasound, exercises and orthopedic interventions to improve function, balance and recovery. Obtaining additional certification as a Geriatrics Certified Specialist demonstrates specialization in the unique needs of elderly patients.
2. Define geriatrics
Find out the % of PTAs that work with
geriatrics
Salary range for geriatric setting
What type of patients are found in LTC or SNF
Type of treatments used
Advanced skill obtained to work in the setting
3. The subdivision of medical science
concerning the diseases and problems that
affect aged people.
4. Nationally, 7% of PTAs work in a
nursing home.
The most popular type of setting is
working in a hospital.
5. PhysicalTherapistAssistants who work in a
nursing home make an average of $52,700 a
year.
Compared to:
▪ Offices of other health practitioners – $46,910
▪ General medical and surgical hospitals – $47,000
▪ Home health care services – $60,360
▪ Offices of physicians – $44,120
Nursing home facilities rank near the top in salary.
6. The majority of patients that are seen in long
term centers or skilled nursing facilities are
elderly.
However, not all residents are elderly.There
can be residents that have a long term illness
or have a long road to recovery after a major
surgery.
7. There is a large variety of
treatments performed in geriatrics.
Aquatic therapy
Ultrasound
Exercises (physical activity)
Orthopedic
8. Aquatic
Beneficial for improving:
▪ Function
▪ Balance and coordination
▪ Flexibility
▪ Muscle strength
Ultrasound
Used for reducing swelling and pain
9. Some of the exercises used for residents are:
Stationary bikes
Step stairs
Weight lifting machines (pulleys, free weights)
10. Required after a surgery on a bone or
joint
Restore function of the muscular skeletal
system
Types of surgeries that require
orthopedic therapy:
Hip replacement
Torn ligaments
11. There are specialists who work together
as a team to provide sufficient quality of
care.
Communication
Aspects of therapy
▪ For example, if a patient had a stroke both the
PT and OT would have to work with nurses and
doctors to utilize their unique specialties.
12. A PTA can get a Geriatrics Certified Specialist
(GCS).
To receive a GCS:
Pass the exam
Demonstrate specific procedures
Complete over 2000 hours of geriatric clinical
practice
Editor's Notes
Definition:
Princeton WordNet Search, Initials. (n.d.). Geriatrics. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=geriatrics
Picture:
CHC Physical Therapy, Initials. (2010). Geriatrics. Retrieved from http://www.chcphysicaltherapy.com/geriatrics
Employment by industry, occupation, and percent distribution, 2008 and projected 2018.. (2008). Retrieved from ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/ep/ind-occ.matrix/occ_pdf/occ_31-2021.pdf
Herzing University, Initials. (2010). Physical therapist assistant salaries and career outlook. Retrieved from http://www.herzing.edu/academics/physical-therapist-assistant/salary
Picture:
Volunteers of America, Initials. (2010). Elderly protective service. Retrieved from http://www.voagno.org/Services/ElderlyServices/ElderlyProtectiveServices/tabid/2361/Default.aspx
Aquatic Physical Therapy Section, Initials. (2010). What is "aquatic physical therapy" . Retrieved from http://www.aquaticpt.org/about-aquatic-physical-therapy.cfm
Picture:
Alternative Medicine Zone, Initials. (2008, May 8). Effective healing benefits of aquatic therapy!. Retrieved from http://www.altmedicinezone.com/alternative-treatment/effective-healing-benefits-of-aquatic-therapy/
Picture (US):
123RF, Initials. (2010, November 11). Ultrasound therapy. Retrieved from http://www.123rf.com/photo_979980_ultrasound-therapy.html
Picture:
Paula Span, Initials. (2010, February 2). The new old age. The New York Times
APTA, Initials. (2010). Section on geriatrics. Retrieved from http://www.geriatricspt.org/clients/faqs.cfm