PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE ELDERLY

PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE ELDERLY

Geriatric rehabilitation covers a wide area of issues concerning people as they go through normal adult aging but is usually focused on the older adult. There are many conditions that affect individuals as they grow older, which include but not limited to the following:

Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease
Hip and joint replacement
Balance and coordination disorders
Incontinence

Geriatric physiotherapists specialize in providing therapy for such conditions and ailments in older adults.

AIMS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE ELDERLY

Following a proper individualized and comprehensive assessment, the main aim or goals is to restore mobility, increase fitness levels, reduce pain, minimize the risk of falls, and to provide a good quality of life for the elderly. Although, physiotherapist should be aware of the difference between therapist goals and patient-centred goals, which often time is the main reason for our intervention.

Geriatric physiotherapy is a proven means for older adults at every level of physical ability to improve their balance and strength, build their confidence, and remain physically active. Physiotherapy also help older adults to avoid falls which is so crucial to this population. Falling is one of the greatest risks older adults face and fear, which often leads to fractures and further lead to a downward health spiral. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one-third of all people over the age of sixty-five (65) fall every year, making falls the leading cause of injury among people from this age group.

BENEFITS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN ELDERLY

As we age, our body inevitably goes through many physical changes. These natural age related changes include reduced bone density, reduced muscle strength, increased body fat, poorer coordination, balance and stiffness around the joints. Older people also become more susceptible to illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

All of this can have a big impact on their daily lives and reduce their independence. However, we do not have to accept this as an inevitable part of ageing. While physiotherapy cannot stop ageing it can help to reduce the impact that it has on our bodies and quality of lives.

Being involved in an elderly rehabilitation programme with Physio Centre of Africa(PCA) can provide a number of benefits to you. The physiotherapists at PCA will devise a personalized treatment programme to help you achieve the following outcomes:

Maximize your safety
Reduce the risk of falling
Restore your confidence
Regain your independence
Balance and walking re-education
Maintain your muscle strength
Help you to carry out activities of daily living
Improve your quality of life

Call in at PCA today for a comprehensive assessment and care of your older ones.