Aging & Gerontology

Biography

Biography: Noelle Marie Javier

Abstract

Progressive disability is a common but significant problem in the hospice and palliative care population as well as geriatric patients with chronic and life-long illnesses. It leads to depression, isolation, poor quality of life and overall increased caregiver needs, health care utilization, and institutional care. Contributing factors may include but not limited to disease progression, muscle deconditioning, surgical and medical complications, malnutrition, neurologic deficits, musculoskeletal problems, pain and non-pain symptoms, and active comorbid medical issues. Rehabilitation is based on function and has been conceived of in stages to include the prevention of disability, restoration to the premorbid state whenever possible, support to reduce disability, and palliation to reduce complications. There are supporting studies that attest to the role of physical rehabilitation improving function and quality of life for these patients. In fact, the fastest growing and rehabilitation-requiring population is adults over 65 years of age. Therefore, a thorough and inter-professional assessment of the patient’s medical, functional, and psychosocial status is critical in designing an appropriate and effective rehabilitation program. It is important to consider the patient’s goals and preferences, current level of disability, potential for improvement, and the availability and cost of resources before implementing a care plan. Rehabilitation can be offered in a variety of settings to include inpatient, sub-acute, outpatient, and the home environment. This oral presentation discusses the concept and benefits of physical rehabilitation as well as the role of physical, occupational and speech-language therapy as core rehabilitation interventions.