Geriatric care refers to the medical attention required by individuals over the age of 65 due to age-related body weakening and associated medical conditions.
Elderly patients often experience long-term illnesses such as Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart diseases, stroke recovery, or other chronic conditions. These conditions can cause a loss of muscle strength, pain, reduced joint mobility, slower movements, balance issues, and an increased risk of falls.
In addition to medical care, physiotherapy plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for geriatric patients, helping them carry out daily activities that they may find challenging.
The geriatric population is typically found at home, in palliative care setups, or in elder care facilities. Many struggle with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or bending, making them reliant on others. Physiotherapy can help these individuals build strength and adapt their movements to make daily tasks easier.
How Physiotherapy Helps in Geriatric Care
Here are some ways physiotherapy plays an essential role in geriatric care:
Assessment and Customization
Physiotherapists assess the activities a person finds challenging, such as brushing their teeth, climbing stairs, or lifting grocery bags. After a thorough evaluation, they identify weak muscles and joints and design a plan to help patients perform these activities more comfortably.
Patient Education
Educating both the patient and their caregivers is critical. Physiotherapists guide them on necessary limitations and safe activities to attempt in the future. This builds the patient’s confidence and motivates them to practice consistently.
Strength and Mobility Training
Strength and mobility exercises help patients walk, move, and perform simple tasks like sitting comfortably for longer periods. These exercises often start with tolerable stretches and lower-intensity activities, gradually incorporating resistance and functional movements as the patient progresses.
Balance and Coordination Exercises
Improving balance is crucial to reducing fall risk and enhancing functional abilities. Physiotherapists use exercises that improve transitions, such as turning or multitasking (e.g., standing and brushing or walking while holding a cup). Depending on the patient’s needs, they may also recommend aids like walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or back-support chairs.
Pain Management
Many elderly individuals experience pain due to weakened muscles and joints. Physiotherapy helps manage this pain using heat therapies or modalities such as Interferential Therapy (IFT) or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), depending on the patient’s condition.
A Holistic Approach
Physiotherapy is tailored to each individual’s needs and evolves as their condition improves. Beyond exercises, physiotherapists often motivate patients, engage them in conversations, and build their confidence to overcome limitations.
This holistic approach not only helps geriatric patients achieve better mobility but also allows them to lead a more fulfilling and independent life.
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