Physiotherapy Practice in Residential Aged Care

Description

With the numbers of entrants to residential aged care facilities steadily growing, there is a need for a clearly written, portable guide to the wide range of knowledge and treatment skills unique to the physical therapist in this challenging setting. This new resource looks at the physiological changes accompanying the aging process as well as the physical therapist?s role in assessment, preventing residents? injuries, and promoting quality of life. Major presenting problems relating to being immobile, barely mobile, or ambulatory are examined. Information and strategies to assist with residents suffering from pain, osteoporosis, incontinence, or disorders requiring palliation are also covered. In addition, there is a special chapter on aquatic physical therapy in response to the increasing use of pools in aged care facilities. This new book is an outstanding reference for practicing physical therapists, students, and those who care for older adults in their own homes.

Audience

Physiotherapists - clinicians and undergraduates, occupational therapists - clinicians and students, nurses, nursing students

Contents

• I. AGING AND ITS ATTENDANTS
  1. Physiological changes with age 2. The physiotherapist?s contribution to resident assessment 3. Resident injuries 4. Life satisfaction
• II. CARE OF THE IMMOBILE OR BARELY MOBILE RESIDENT
  5. The complexity of the immobile or barely mobile resident 6. Managing problems encountered in immobile or barely mobile residents 7. What about beds and chairs?
• III. THE CHALLENGE OF THE MOBILE RESIDENT
  8. The profile of the mobile resident and how to protect such residents from falls 9. A theoretical framework for the assessment and treatment of balance and mobility deficits in the elderly 10. Retraining balance using task-focused workstations 11. Exercise prescription in residential aged care facilities 12. Osteoporosis 13. Aquatic physiotherapy for residents in aged care facilities 14. Physiotherapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in the aged care setting
• IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PAIN AND PALLIATIVE CARE
  15. Pain in the elderly 16. Physiotherapy in palliative care
• Appendix 1. Case studies Appendix 2. Outcome measures Appendix 3. Suggestions for successful case conferences Appendix 4. Electrotherapy considerations in aged care practice Appendix 5. Mobility aids