Evaluation and Treatment of the Geriatric Patient

Catalog description

The United States Census predicts population growth for those over 60 steadily through 2050 and the age cohort of 85 or older is a fast-growing segment in the population. With aging, the neuromuscular and metabolic systems undergo natural changes. The likelihood of clinicians working with the geriatric population is ever increasing and the need for knowledge of the population cohort is critical for therapists. This course will present age-related changes and diseases conditions affecting both the neuromuscular and metabolic systems. The student will participate in interactive learning activities that will guide the development of proficiency in geriatric physical therapy assessment and intervention. Through lecture, laboratory, role playing, and group problem-solving the student will learn to use critical thinking to analyze the problem presented, synthesize the solution, and communicate this sequence with other health professionals and patients or clients. Problems introduced are representative of those that clinicians encounter in all practice settings.