Geriatrics

Catalog description

This course provides students with knowledge and clinical skills focusing on management of geriatric clients throughout the spectrum of care. Students learn to differentiate between normal and sub-optimal aging, and demonstrate evidence-based assessment and treatment of older adults with mobility impairments. Through lecture and lab participation, students also demonstrate a strong understanding of the public health implications of falls in geriatric clients, and the role of physical therapy in fall prevention. Students are also introduced to the role of 3rd party payers in determining medical necessity for physical therapy services, and how documentation requirements differ across settings in geriatrics including acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, home health care, outpatient, and wellness. Additional laboratory activities are included in the course to enhance hands-on skills in physical assessment, outcome tool performance, and carrying out evidenced based interventions for both healthy elderly populations and older adults with medical comorbidities. Prerequisite(s): PT 431 .