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.

1. Kim Oyen

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