PTA 222 - Human Development II - Topics in Geriatrics

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 2

Provides theory and clinical application of normal and abnormal physical and cognitive development in the aging process and focus on a geriatric client. Prepares the student to perform physical therapy intervention as part of a physical therapist's plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.

Prerequisite(s): PTA 102, PTA 105, PTA 105LW, PTA 120, PTA 120L, PTA 123W, PTA 123LW, PTA 124, PTA 125, PTA 125LW, each with a “C” (2.0) minimum grade.
Corequisite(s): PTA 205, PTA 205L, PTA 209, PTA 209L, PTA 210, PTA 210LW, PTA 213, PTA 213L, PTA 214W, PTA 218
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Discuss the applied gerontological concepts as they relate to aging and physical therapy treatment.
1. Define demographics of an aging population.
2. Compare and contrast age related changes in biology, physiology, and anatomy.
3. Describe the psychosocial aspects of aging.
4. Describe the pathological manifestations of aging.
5. Define types of mental, functional, and physical therapy assessment instruments.
Discuss aspects of a geriatric rehabilitation plan.
1. Identify normal age-related changes of communication and modify treatment programs to reflect these changes.
2. Identify community based screening program needs for the geriatric population.
3. Describe the pharmacokinetic changes that occur with the normal aging process and how the body responds to medications taken in the geriatric population.
4. Discuss the concepts of polypharmacy, adverse drug reactions, noncompliance, and how this may impact recovery of the geriatric population.
5. Discuss the psychological, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of aging and how they may play a role in carrying out physical therapy treatment programs.
6. Discuss the nutritional needs in the elderly and how physiological changes can lead to malnutrition.
7. Discuss how application of physical agents may be altered to be safely and effectively applied to the geriatric population based on normal age-related changes.
8. Practice modification of educational materials for the geriatric population taking into consideration age-related learning, memory, intelligence, physical, and physiological changes.
9. Administer a fall prevention screening with an individual in a local retirement community.
10. Discuss discharge planning and the role of the PTA in this process.
Explain relevant aspects of treatment for the geriatric population.
1. Discuss caregiver stress.
2. Review patient rights and patient dignity.
3. Explain informed consent.
4. Discuss death issues, e.g., living wills, euthanasia, terminal care, hospice, suicide, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
5. Examine how understanding cultural diversity of the older population can play a role in recovery and overall health status.
Discuss potential legal or ethical issues pertaining to geriatrics.
1. Describe an appropriate response to each legal/ethical clinical issues discussed in class.