Geriatric Rehabilitation (GR) aims to restore function or enhance residual functional capability and improving the quality of life in older people is particularly those with disabling impairments and/or frailty.
After hospitalization, 11% of the older patients are referred to rehabilitation facilities. The increasing geriatric population, and the apparent increases in disability related to e.g musculoskeletal disorders, depression, diabetes, and neurologic disorders, affecting mobility-related activities in particular, will increase the needs for rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation of the older adult should: emphasize functional activity to maintain functional mobility and capability; improvement of balance through exercise and functional activity programs (eg, weight shifting exercises, ambulation with direction and elevation changes, and reaching activities), good nutrition and good general care (including hygiene, hydration, bowel and bladder considerations, and appropriate rest and sleep), and social and emotional support.[6]
Multidisciplinary Team
- Ageing is characterized by decline in general physiologic function and this make chronic condition and multi-morbidity prevalent among older adults.
- This characteristics, among others, make recovery a challenging one among older adults, therefore, understanding principles of rehabilitation will facilitates delivery of effective therapeutic outcome to older adults.
The role of allied health professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in dealing with older people’s issues is essential, and a multidisciplinary team is required for the delivery of optimal care in response to the needs and aspirations of older people. Countries should assure the educational background of all health care providers and the specialized health and social care services required to meet the demands of a rapidly aging society.