Have access already?

Get access to this chapter:

Or get access to the entire book:

Chapter 16: Geriatric Rehabilitation

Additional resources for this chapter

instructor material

DOI:

10.1891/9780826132284.0016

Authors

  • Cristian, Adrian
  • Iannicello, Armando
  • Hou, Joan Y.
  • Dinescu, Laurentiu I.
  • Alekseyev, Kirill
  • Ozurumba, Nnabugo
  • Brash, Andrew

Abstract

The goals of geriatric rehabilitation are to maximize function and minimize activity limitations and restrictions on participation in daily life for older adults. This is accomplished in a variety of settings including acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and the home of the older adult. It is common for older adults to have multiple co-morbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pointing to the need for an individualized program with adequate precautions that minimizes the risk of injury to the person undergoing a rehabilitation program. This chapter sketches the description of the demographic changes facing the US population and the impact of these changes on the delivery of health care. A careful and comprehensive evaluation of the older adults is imperative to both identifying the clinical problems and subsequently determining the appropriate rehabilitation plan.