Geriatric Considerations during COVID-19 Rehabilitation
By Lauren Melito, PT, DPT, CLT, GCS
Physical Therapist
Clinicians, even seasoned ones, need to learn how to treat COVID-19 survivors. Dr. Suzanne Greenwalt, assistant professor of physical therapy at Belmont University, recently released a continuing education course through the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section (CVP) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), which is part of a larger project called the PACER project (Post-Acute COVID-19 Exercise & Rehabilitation). Her presentation, in the form of 15 courses, is an essential tool in preparing to treat these survivors with the skill required to return them to their prior level of function.
For clinicians working with post-acute COVID-19 older adults, it’s important to understand the reasons why this population is at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Only then will you be able to provide the best clinical care to safely and effectively address their rehabilitation needs.
After reading this paper, you will:
- Be able to describe all of the factors that contribute to why the geriatric population is more at risk for contracting COVID-19.
- Understand what the post-acute presentation of this population will look like.
- Know how to provide the current standard of care.
You can further enhance your knowledge by viewing the full presentation as well.