PHTY5201 Wk1 L2: Physiotherapy In Aged
Care Exam Study Set
Describe the generic definition of 'Aged Care' - ANSWER The management and care of
the health of the elderly (usually defined as 65+)
- definition *does not* imply debility
- 'elderly' varies between individuals, communities and cultures e.g. Aboriginal + TSI
receive pension earlier
List 6 things that most geriatric patients want - ANSWER - remain living at home (first
and foremost)
- return home after an acute event
- home support to remain living at home
- community access and transport options
- palliation for terminal conditions
- appropriate and comfortable residential aged care options
What are the 3 goals of acute care physiotherapy when working in aged care? -
ANSWER 1. Return to pre-morbid function
2. Return to previous living accommodation
3. Provide education and support to prevent another admission
Define and describe Dementia - ANSWER Progressive decrease in short-term memory
and other cognitive functions
- normal consciousness
- many different types with different clinical features
Describe the general management of Dementia - ANSWER Drugs
- memory
- behaviour
Support
- orientate patient with clocks, date, photos of family
, - provide support and education to family and carers
- consider EOPA for future planning
Define and describe Delirium - ANSWER Acute confusional state with disturbance of
cognition and attention
- fluctuates in nature, disorderly sleep-wake cycle
(very different to dementia)
Describe the general management of Delirium - ANSWER - Treat cause e.g. infection
such as pneumonia or UTI, drug toxicity, withdrawal (e.g. alcohol)
- Exclude stroke or other neurological cause
- Ensure safe, non-confrontational environment
- Avoid restraints
- Psychotropics only if necessary
What difficulty does Dementia/Delirium pose for patient management?
How can you overcome this? - ANSWER PAIN - cannot always get a simple rating from
the patient
Must gage by observing behaviour --> Abbey Pain Scale - measurement of pain in people
with dementia who cannot verbalise
What are some common pain behaviours that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Facial expression
Verbalisation/vocalisation, calling our for help, verbal abuse
Body movements, fidgeting, increased pacing, rocking
What are some common behavioural changes that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Aggression
Resisting care (e.g. medications)
Disruptive, withdrawn
What are some common activity changes that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Appetite change
Sleep change
Routine change
What are some common mental state changes that may be exhibited in patients with
Care Exam Study Set
Describe the generic definition of 'Aged Care' - ANSWER The management and care of
the health of the elderly (usually defined as 65+)
- definition *does not* imply debility
- 'elderly' varies between individuals, communities and cultures e.g. Aboriginal + TSI
receive pension earlier
List 6 things that most geriatric patients want - ANSWER - remain living at home (first
and foremost)
- return home after an acute event
- home support to remain living at home
- community access and transport options
- palliation for terminal conditions
- appropriate and comfortable residential aged care options
What are the 3 goals of acute care physiotherapy when working in aged care? -
ANSWER 1. Return to pre-morbid function
2. Return to previous living accommodation
3. Provide education and support to prevent another admission
Define and describe Dementia - ANSWER Progressive decrease in short-term memory
and other cognitive functions
- normal consciousness
- many different types with different clinical features
Describe the general management of Dementia - ANSWER Drugs
- memory
- behaviour
Support
- orientate patient with clocks, date, photos of family
, - provide support and education to family and carers
- consider EOPA for future planning
Define and describe Delirium - ANSWER Acute confusional state with disturbance of
cognition and attention
- fluctuates in nature, disorderly sleep-wake cycle
(very different to dementia)
Describe the general management of Delirium - ANSWER - Treat cause e.g. infection
such as pneumonia or UTI, drug toxicity, withdrawal (e.g. alcohol)
- Exclude stroke or other neurological cause
- Ensure safe, non-confrontational environment
- Avoid restraints
- Psychotropics only if necessary
What difficulty does Dementia/Delirium pose for patient management?
How can you overcome this? - ANSWER PAIN - cannot always get a simple rating from
the patient
Must gage by observing behaviour --> Abbey Pain Scale - measurement of pain in people
with dementia who cannot verbalise
What are some common pain behaviours that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Facial expression
Verbalisation/vocalisation, calling our for help, verbal abuse
Body movements, fidgeting, increased pacing, rocking
What are some common behavioural changes that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Aggression
Resisting care (e.g. medications)
Disruptive, withdrawn
What are some common activity changes that may be exhibited in patients with
Dementia/Delirium? - ANSWER Appetite change
Sleep change
Routine change
What are some common mental state changes that may be exhibited in patients with
