APTA Geriatrics

This learning path contains courses which can be used in preparation for completing the Geriatric Specialization Exam.

The courses were recorded during the ExPAAC Conference FOCUS sessions.

Click the link to view each individual course description:

• LMS-771: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Changes with Aging
• LMS-772: Musculoskeletal Changes with Aging
• LMS-773: Integumentary Changes with Aging
• LMS-774: Neuromuscular Changes with Aging

This course provides reviews and updates the learner regarding the impact of aging on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The learner will review current evidence for best practice for physical therapy assessment and interventions for the aging population with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Topics reviewed include assessment and treatment for older clients with normal aging issues, risk factors for disease, acute, and chronic diseases such as MI, arrhythmias, CHF, and COPD.

This was recorded during the ExPAAC Conference and includes the introduction to the FOCUS Sessions.

Course Description

This course includes theory and evidence for and clinical translation of common laboratory data utilized in the examination, evaluation, and intervention. The student will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of how the various content components of the common laboratory tests inter-relate with the goal of adding to the clinical making skill set of the practicing therapist. This will be accomplished by the provision of a case study of a medically complex patient with a cardiopulmonary diagnosis. Each data point provided is followed by a clinical making decision. The student will be expected to have a entry-level understanding of the basic laboratory testing and with interpretation of vital signs measurements.

Meet your instructor:

Stephen J. Carp, PT, PhD has been an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program of DeSales University since 2016. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy, a masters in physical therapy, and a PhD in motor control, all from Temple University. Prior to his faculty positon at DeSales he was a member of the faculty of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Temple.

Carp has over 30 years of clinical experience in many arenas of physical therapy, including acute care, outpatient, wound care, skilled nursing, and acute medical rehabilitation. He is an ABPTS board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy. In addition to his clinical work, he has held numerous administrative and consultative positions in hospitals, including vice president of quality, vice president of performance improvement, and interim CEO.

Carp's primary teaching responsibilities include geriatrics, business and management, professional development, and global health.

Carp pursues 3 research lines: nonacademic intelligence metrics related to graduate admissions, the effectiveness of nongovernment support for the poor, and muscle performance and inflammatory biomarkers related to ICU-acquired weakness. He has been extensively published in research journals and as a book chapter contributor and textbook writer. His most recently published textbook, Peripheral Neuropathy, was published in 2015, and Foundations in Physical Therapy will be published in 2018. He has been invited to present at numerous local and state conferences.

PTA Focus 2012, Issue 6

The use of standardized tests is an important element of physical therapist practice, as it allows physical therapists to: consistently assess, measure, and compare performance in patients and clients; establish an expected level of function and clinical outcome as part of a physical therapist plan of care; and measure and document progress toward the established goals. APTA and other federal, state, and national associations, advocate for standardized tests; however, their use as a regular component of physical therapist practice still is lacking.

This course provides you with a review of the patient history and chart review process, an overview of selected standardized assessments that easily can be incorporated into the physical therapist assessment, and a discussion of how standardized assessment results can be used to develop an evidence-based clinical plan of care.

Meet our Presenters:

Kerri Bednarcik, PT. Kerri Bednarcik is the Director of Education and Staff Development for Genesis Rehab Services. As a licensed physical therapist, Kerri has over 30 years of clinical experience in diverse settings, including acute rehab, acute care, outpatient, and home health, with the last 20 years in the post-acute setting. Kerri has been active in local and national associations throughout her career, and has presented on a variety of clinical and administrative topics at local, state, and national levels. Kerri has held an academic appointment and has served the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) as an on-site reviewer and Commissioner. Kerri received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University.

Cindy Gallo, PT, Regional Clinical Director, Genesis Rehab Service. Cindy graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware in 1980. Her career has focused on the geriatric population, providing physical therapy services in acute rehab, subacute rehab and long term care. Cindy joined Genesis Rehab Services in 1996 and has experience in long term care, assisted living and independent living communities. As a Regional Clinical Director, Cindy's focus has been on improving the quality of care provided to patients through the advancement of clinical skill sets in several areas of practice, including exercise, balance/fall prevention and modalities, and demonstrating how to incorporate these regimens into treatment programs which emphasize functional goals. Cindy is a proponent of the interdisciplinary model of care and believes this model serves to maximize the patient’s quality of life. In addition, she believes that proper use of treatment protocols can lead to more functionally based treatment programs. Cindy has also played an instrumental role in creating education for Genesis on the topics of urinary incontinence and the use of focused assessments.

Ian Kilbride, PT, Regional Clinical Director, Genesis Rehab Services. Ian earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Ohio in consortium with the University of Toledo in 2000. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo (1998).

Ian has held licenses in Ohio and Michigan, working primarily with the geriatric population. Ian has been employed by Genesis Rehab Services since 2009 as a Regional Clinical Director providing clinical support to clinicians in the skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and independent living settings. Prior to 2009, he provided clinical and operational management at the center level in addition to providing patient care for Harborside Healthcare/Sun Healthcare. Focus areas of practice have included: interdisciplinary dementia care, falls prevention and management, evidenced-based PT practice, and geriatric strength training.

Ian frequently lectures on the topics of: dementia care, physical agent modalities, geriatric strength training, functional seating and positioning, falls risk management/prevention, medically complex patients, and the use of standardized assessments in physical therapy practice. He has also supported the development of educational programs and resources for Genesis Rehab Services.

This learning path contains courses which can be used in preparation for completing the Geriatric Specialization Exam.

The courses were recorded during the ExPAAC Conference FOCUS sessions.

Click the link to view each individual course description:

• LMS-771: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Changes with Aging
• LMS-772: Musculoskeletal Changes with Aging
• LMS-773: Integumentary Changes with Aging
• LMS-774: Neuromuscular Changes with Aging

This is an independent home study course developed by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Introduction

The United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states, “Personal mobility and independence are to be fostered by facilitating affordable personal mobility, training in mobility skills and access to mobility aids, devices, assistive technologies and live assistance. According to the United States (US) Census, there are over 10 million Americans over the age of 65 who have difficulty with ambulation. This includes 3.3 million users of wheeled mobility devices, such as manual and power wheelchairs and electric scooters, and 6.1 million users of ambulation aids, including canes, crutches, and walkers. Use of mobility devices increases with advanced age and has been found to be associated with non-white race/ethnicity, female sex, lower education level, greater co-morbidities, and obesity. The varying degrees of disability and unique requirements of each individual leave many providers and users with the difficult task of determining the best AD to both enhance function and promote safety.

Meet the Authors

Dr. Laura Driscoll, PT, DPT, GCS, received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University, as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Since 2001, she has worked with Beth Israwl Deaconess Medical Center in Boston as an acute care physical therapist. In 2014, she transitioned to academia full time as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the DPT program at Boston University, while maintaining active per diem status at BIDMC. She is the primary instructor of Clinical Medicine and the DPT Academic Practicum experiences, as well as assisting in the Cardiopulmonary laboratory and Comprehensive Clinical Reasoning course. She presents yearly at Boston University as well as Simmons College on delirium and early mobility in the ICU. She holds an additional role at BU as the Director of Faculty Diversity and Inclusion for the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College and is currently pursuing a PhD in Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Dr. Erin Riley PT, DPT, NCS, received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies (2002) and Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2004) from Boston University, as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2007) from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Since 2007, she has practiced at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA as an inpatient rehabilitation physical therapist. After 2 years on the physical therapy faculty at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, she joined the Boston University physical therapy faculty in 2014 as a Clinical Assistant Professor and co-Director of Clinical Education. Her areas of clinical expertise include traumatic brain injury, disorders of consciousness, and complex neurological diagnoses. She is a co-author of the APTA PTNow Guillain-Barre Syndrome clinical summary and has also presented in the areas of utilizing social media and technology to bridge the classroom and clinical environments.

This is an Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education

The obesity epidemic that has plagued United States has now become pandemic, affecting all ages, including older adults. In most practice settings, physical therapists who treat older adults will examine and treat patients with the co-morbidity of obesity. The implications of obesity on every system of the body and the functional consequences will be discussed. Weight stigmatization will be briefly reviewed as it relates to clinical practice. Case studies will be used to cover examination, and treatment modifications in various practice settings.

Meet the Author

Jane Killough, PT, MS, GCS, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the College of St. Scholastic in Duluth, MN, where she is responsible for content related to physiology of exercise and injury, geriatrics, multiple system conditions, screening, and acute care physical therapy. Her 18 years of clinical practice has encompassed patient rehabilitation, acute care, and home care. Dr. Killough attained her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons College, Master of Arts in Physical Therapy from The College of Saint Scholastic, Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the Pennsylvania State University, and her Bachelor of Arts from the Carleton College.

This is an Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education.

Course Overview

Successful aging is hard to define, yet it is something that each person hopes to achieve. This monograph will explore various models and theories of health, illness, and disability as they apply to the older adult and physical therapy practice. The biopsychosocial dimensions of successful aging will be discussed with an emphasis on the role of the physical therapist to support longevity and contribute to an older adult’s freedom from disability and disease. The second part of this monograph explores environmental dimensions of successful aging and the role of the physical therapist in reference to financial security, housing options, adaptive equipment/technology,leisure activities and social networks. Case studies illustrate how physical therapists have the knowledge and skills to assist patients or clients in adapting to their changing circumstances, whether that is through primary prevention and risk reduction measures, direct interventions, advocacy in public policy, or consultation.

Meet our Author

Mary Thompson, PT, PhD, GCS, is the Director of Post Professional Programs and professor at the School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas. She is a native Floridian and completed her undergraduate degree in physical therapy from the University of Kentucky, followed by her advanced masters in geriatric physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Thompson later completed her PhD in higher education with a minor in aging studies from the University of North Texas. She has been a physical therapist for 37 years.

Clinically, Dr. Thompson has worked primarily in home health with time in skilled nursing facilities and hospice. She is an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatrics. In the professional program at Texas Woman’s, Dr. Thompson teaches health promotion and wellness courses using a service-learning model and teaches in the professional management course sequence. In the post professional program, she collaborated with others to develop the curriculum for the Baylor-TWU Women’s Health Residency program and the Academic Certificate in Geriatric Physical Therapy. Dr. Thompson teaches PhD students how higher education institutions work and the roles of faculty and department heads. She enjoys mentoring PhD students in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Editor: Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS

This is an Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education

Course Overview

Lymphedema impacts nearly 40% of women after breast cancer treatment. The condition involves limb and upper quadrant swelling which is naturally progressive over time if left untreated. The lymphatic system is unique in structure and functions from the circulatory system; the presentation of lymphedema is different than other forms of systemic swelling. Due to those nuances, it is necessary to recognize that swelling related to lymphatic system failure requires specialized knowledge and skills in clinical management.

Meet our Authors

Bryan A. Spinelli, PT, PhD, is a physical therapist and Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University with expertise in oncology rehabilitation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Master of Science from Northeastern University. He received his doctorate of Philosphy at Drexel University.

Bryan is an American Physical Therapy Association Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Lymphology Association of North America Certified Lymphedema Therapist. He has experience assisting persons diagnosed with cancer manage neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, lymphedema, fatigue, weakness, deconditioning, and balance deficits.

Nicole L. Stout DPT, CLT-LANA, FAPTA, is a renowned health care researcher, consultant, educator, and advocate. She is the chief executive officer of 3e Services, an information technology consulting firm where she serves as a medical affairs consultant for biotech and health care wearable firms. Additionally, she supports the Office of Strategic Research at the National Institutes of Health, Rehabilitation Medicine Department leading the Cancer Rehabilitation Initiative.

Dr. Stout is an internationally recognized expert and leader in cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema. She has given over 200 lectures nationally and internationally, authored and co-authored over 50 peerreview and invited publications, several book chapters, and is the coauthor of the book 100 Questions and Answers about Lymphedema. Her research publications have been foundational in developing the Prospective Surveillance Model for breast cancer rehabilitation and supporting national initiatives in cancer rehabilitation.

Editor: Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS

This is an Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education

Course Overview

Rehabilitation for patients who are approaching their end of life poses complex clinical, ethical, and legal challenges for physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). The most serious of these challenges may include participation in difficult end-of-life decisions related to initiating or continuing life support and withholding or withdrawing medical treatment. Although therapists are not typically the primary healthcare professionals involved in making these decisions, they are part of the professional healthcare team, and have an obligation to support the patient, family, and healthcare professionals when patients are faced with making these decisions.

Meet our Author

Mary Ann Wharton, Pt, MS is currently an independent Physical Therapy Consultant and holds adjunct faculty positions in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Geriatric Residency program and in the PTA program at Allegheny County Community College, Boyce Campus, Monroeville, PA. Previously, she served as faculty in Physical Therapy programs at Saint Francis University, Slippery Rock University, and the University of Pittsburgh. She is a physical therapy graduate of Ithaca College, and received a Master of Science degree in Leadership, with an emphasis in Geriatric Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently the Chair of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association’s (PPTA) Ethics Committee; Chair of the PPTA Geriatric Special Interest Group; Public Liaison for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy’s Cognitive and Mental Health Special Interest Group; and a member of the Editorial Advisory Group for PT in Motion.

Ms. Wharton has authored book chapters addressing geriatric and ethical issues in physical therapy including: “Environmental Design: Accommodating Sensory Changes in the Elderly” in Geriatric Physical Therapy, 3rd edition; “Enhancing Professional Accountability: Inquiry into the Work of a Health Profession’s Ethics Committee,” in Educating for Moral Action: A Sourcebook in Health and Rehabilitation Ethics; and “Ethics” in Geriatric Rehabilitation Manual, 3rd edition. She recently submitted a chapter, “Ethical Issues in the Rehabilitation of Geriatric Patients” for publication in the upcoming book, Rehabilitation Ethics for Interprofessional Practice. She has also published over 40 articles on ethics in various publications, including the PPTA Newsletter, GeriNotes, and Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, and has served as an invited speaker on geriatrics and ethics topics for APTA’s Ethics and Judicial Committee, APTA’s Combined Sections Meetings, and at PPTA Chapter meetings.

Editor: Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS

Rehabilitating after losing a limb can be a difficult process for an older adult. Skilled examination, intervention, and goal setting can promote success whether the patient will use a prosthesis or not. This monograph provides an in-depth primer on the specific needs of the older adult with limb loss and provides strategies to maximize functional mobility while decreasing the risk of injury for the patient.

Meet our Authors

Daniel J. Lee, PT, DPT, GCS is a boardcertified clinical specialist in geriatrics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 2013. He is an Assistant Professor at Touro College, NY in the Physical Therapy department. In 2018, Daniel was selected for the Educator Award from the Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF). His research is focused on empowering older adults with limb loss through mobile health technology, specifically in the domain of self-management. He is a national speaker on limb loss rehabilitation, as well as a member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapists.

Carol A. Miller, PT, PhD, GCS is an American Physical Therapy Association Board Certified clinical specialist in geriatrics and is Professor and Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Physical Therapy at the Georgia Campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG), and currently serves on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board and Life Member for the Amputee Coalition. Dr. Miller has over 33 years of experience working with adults with lower-limb amputation and focuses her practice on restoring an individual’s functional abilities to achieve success in the home setting, the community, all the way up to returning to athletic activity. Dr. Miller’s research interests and published works are primarily focused on the impact of gait ability, and exercise training on function and quality of life in adults with lower-limb loss.

Falls are a major concern for older adults! Physical therapists play a key role in fall prevention, as well as treating falls and fall-related injuries. With evidencebased practice, the functional mobility and quality of life of older adults may be improved, while decreasing the national fall-related statistics. This monograph will include the foundation of balance and falls, discuss age-related changes, provide an overview of screening tools and outcome measures, as well as interventions to address the impairments and functional limitations identified. The main objective of this monograph is for clinicians to be able to select appropriate screening tools, complete multi-factorial assessment, and prescribe interventions that set patients up for success.

Meet our Author

Mariana Wingood graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2012 and since graduation has been a full-time clinician. She has practiced in various settings, including orthopedic outpatient, neuromuscular outpatient, a falls clinic, skilled nursing facility, and an inpatient rehabilitation facility. She is an active member of the Vermont Falls Coalition, Gerontology Society of America, and Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. For the Academy, Dr. Wingood serves as the Program Committee Co-Chair, member of the GeriEDGE Taskforce, Chair of the Balance and Falls SIG, and the Vermont State Advocate. Mariana’s focus is on fall prevention and exercise prescription for older adults. Her professional goal is improving the profession by increasing the knowledge base of evidence based practice. This is why she has taught at University of Vermont, presented at numerous state and national conferences, as well as taught online courses. Mariana is married and enjoys traveling, marathon training, hiking, and rock climbing.

Editor: Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS

Course Overview

Aging has a profound impact on the quality of life, functional abilities, and wellness of older adults. This monograph addresses aging and its’ influence on the body and the deleterious effects of immobility on the older adult. The benefits of physical activity and exercise will be described. Readers will be informed about the components of exercise required for successful aging. The information covered will include appropriate screening, assessment, and interventions for each of the components. Through case studies, key features of successful interventions will be summarized and demonstrate how it can lead to successful aging.

About the Authors

Mariana Wingood graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2012 and since graduation has been a full-time clinician. She has practiced in various settings, including orthopedic outpatient, neuromuscular outpatient, a falls clinic, skilled nursing facility, and an inpatient rehabilitation facility. She is an active member of the Vermont Falls Coalition, Gerontology Society of America, and Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. For the Academy, Dr. Wingood serves as the Program Committee Co-Chair, member of the GeriEDGE Taskforce, Chair of the Balance and Falls SIG, and the Vermont State Advocate. Mariana’s focus is on fall prevention and exercise prescription for older adults. Her professional goal is improving the profession by increasing the knowledge base of evidence based practice. This is why she has taught at University of Vermont, presented at numerous state and national conferences, as well as taught online courses.

Dr. Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS, is a Professor at Slippery Rock University in the Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock, PA. This is complimented by her ongoing commitment to clinical practice at Butler Health System, Butler, PA and HealthSouth - Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Billek-Sawhney is actively engaged in professional activities in the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and Health Volunteers Overseas; she is a Fulbright Scholar and completed her Fulbright in 2018 at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. She has taught in United States, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Peru, St. Lucia, and Ethiopia. Dr. Billek-Sawhney is dedicated to the advancement of our profession through her teaching students, colleagues, patients, and families in United States and abroad; excellence in clinical practice; and support to our professional association.

This is an Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education.

Course Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a strong increase in the risk of physical disability in mobility, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and activities of daily living (ADL) domains. Individuals with diabetes age 60 years old or older are 2 to 3 times more likely to report an inability to walk 1/4 mile, ambulate on stairs, perform household duties, or require the use of a mobility aid when compared to aged matched persons without diabetes. Unfortunately, the frequent consequence of inadequately managed diabetic foot complications is lower extremity (LE) amputation. In fact, people with diabetes are 13 times more likely to have an amputation than people without DM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 45% to 85% of nontraumatic LE amputations in the United States (U.S.) attributable to diabetes could have been avoided with comprehensive diabetic foot care programs.

Meet our Author

Nancy K Shipe, PT, DPT, OCS, is an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University in the Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Slippery ROck, PA. This is complimented by her ongoing commitment to clinical practice at WESTARM Physical Therapy, Lower Burrell, PA. Dr. Shipe has taught and published previously on the diabetic foot. Her special interests are PT management of foot and ankle dysfunction especially related to diabetes, prescription of footwear, and manual therapy. Dr. Shipe is actively engaged in professional activities and regularly represents the Pennsylvania Chapter in the APTA House of Delegates. She was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Chapter’s Humanitarian Award in 2016 for her ongoing commitment to serve others at all levels from providing shoes for the homeless to teaching and caring for patients in the developing nations of St. Lucia and Peru. Dr. Shipe is dedicated to the advancement of our profession through her teaching students, colleagues, patients, and families; excellence in clinical practice; outreach to those in need; and support to our professional association.

Editor: Barbara Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, DPT, GCS

Vestibular disorders affect many older adults, the most common one being benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Symptoms of dizziness and imbalance can negatively impact the mobility of older adults and cause fear of falling, leading to disability and poor quality of life. Physical therapy can significantly improve the lives of older adults living with vestibular disorders. This monograph aims to educate physical therapists working with older adults about common vestibular disorders that affect older adults, the examination process and evidence-based outcome measures utilized for assessing older adult patients with known or possible vestibular disorders, and the rationale and expected outcomes of the application of vestibular rehabilitation interventions in older adults.

Meet our Authors

Anne Kloos, PT, PhD, NCS, received her physical therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her doctoral degree in biology/neuroscience from Cleveland State University. Dr. Kloos is currently a Professor Clinical in the Physical Therapy Division at the Ohio State University where she teaches adult neurorehabilitation and neuroscience courses. This is coupled by Dr. Kloos’ research on balance and gait interventions in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Huntington’s disease. She is a boardcertified neurologic physical therapy specialist and has over 25 years of clinical experience. She presently serves as Co-Director of the Ohio State University Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program and Associate Editor of the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. Previously she served as Chair of the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group and of the Neurologic Residency Curriculum Task Force for the American Physical Therapy Association.

Deborah Kegelmeyer PT, DPT, MS, GCS, is a Professor Clinical in the Physical Therapy Division at The Ohio State University. She is a board certified geriatric physical therapist and teaches geriatric and neurologic rehabilitation courses. Dr. Kegelmeyer’s research is focused on determining optimal methods for measuring clinical progress in older adults and clients with neurodegenerative disorders and on treatments to improve walking and balance in these clients. She served as the chair of the Parkinson Disease EDGE task force for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and is past secretary of the Degenerative Disease Special Interest Group. She obtained her physical therapy and masters of allied medicine degrees at The Ohio State University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Massachusetts General Hospital, Institute of Health Professions. She is the co-director of the Mobility and Exercise in Neurodegenerative Disease (MEND) lab.

Course Description

Individuals with dementia often require physical therapy. Dementia may be either a primary diagnosis or a co-morbidity or complexity. In either case the needs of the individual with dementia and his/her caregivers can present unique challenges to the treating therapist and the interprofessional care team. The ability to develop an effective strategy when working with patients with dementia is critical in ensuring optimal outcomes. This presentation will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the impact of dementia on the therapeutic process and techniques for developing an effective treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of this patient population.

Meet our Speakers

Dawn Bookshar PT, DPT, is a regional clinical director for Genesis Rehab Services, where she provides clinical support for the skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and independent living settings. Prior to this role she has worked primarily in skilled nursing and long-term care since 2005. Bookshar earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Ohio University, an MBA in health care from Baldwin Wallace College, and her doctor of physical therapy degree from The University of Montana. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy. Bookshar’s focus areas of practice include interdisciplinary dementia care, falls prevention and management, physical agent modalities, and geriatric strength training. She frequently lectures on documentation, dementia care and management, physical agent modalities, geriatric strength training, functional seating and positioning, falls risk management and prevention, and medically complex patients. She is actively involved in the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, as secretary and a member of the chapter’s Conference Committee.

Nicole Lavoie, PT, DPT, GCS Dr. Lavoie holds a BS in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1993 and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Arcadia University in 2013. She received her GCS in 1999 and in 2015 became a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult. Dr. Lavoie has worked with a varied and dynamic older adult population for the majority of her clinical experience. She is currently a Regional Clinical Director for Genesis Rehab Services where she supports physical therapy clinicians in all aspects of clinical practice. She has extensive education and experience with clients with all aspects of cognitive impairments with a focus on Alzheimer’s Dementia. Dr. Lavoie has also authored courses and has been a dementia educator for many years.