Physiotherapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating issues with how the body moves.
They play an important role in wellness and reablement. They can help older people:
- Regain physical function
- Perform meaningful tasks
- Improve their quality of life
Physiotherapists can provide management techniques for issues such as:
- Chronic pain
- Falls prevention
- Dementia
Do you work in aged care? Are you thinking about referring your client to a physiotherapist? This article is for you. Learn when and how physiotherapists can promote your client's goals for independence.
For support workers and allied health staff
Understanding physiotherapists in aged care
Physiotherapists are allied health professionals. They work across a wide range of health settings, including aged care.
What do physiotherapists do in aged care?
Physiotherapists help people with movement and mobility problems that can come with age. This supports older people to stay active and able to take part in everyday activities.
They can help with:
- Chronic pain
Due to surgery, arthritis, or other ongoing health problems.
- Balance and mobility problems
These can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- Breathing problems
Including long‑term respiratory conditions.
- Conditions affecting the brain and nerves
Such as dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
And other issues that affect strength, balance, and endurance.
- Specialised conditions
Such as incontinence, vestibular dysfunction (dizziness or vertigo), and sleep issues.
What is the physiotherapist treatment process like?
Physiotherapists use a treatment approach that is:
- Structured
- Focused on the person
- Based on wellness and reablement
This approach supports the person’s overall wellbeing and works towards their goals for independence.
There are 4 steps to this process:
Step 1: Assessment
The physiotherapist works out what movement or mobility problem the person is having. They do this by:
- Discussing the person's medical history and symptoms
This includes talking with the person about when the problem started, how it feels, and how bad it is.
- Arranging extra tests, if needed
This may include scans or other medical tests.
- Checking physical abilities
This includes strength, balance, and range of motion.
The physiotherapist also looks at how well the person can do everyday tasks. For example, how easily they get in and out of chairs or use steps.
- Understanding how the problem affects daily life
Including activities, independence, and lifestyle.
- Working with other health professionals
This helps make sure care is well coordinated and focused on the person’s needs.
Step 2: Goal setting
Once the physiotherapist has identified the issue, they work with the person to set SMART goals.
The goals should align with the person's needs, values, and priorities for daily living.
Step 3: Creating a treatment plan
The physiotherapist and older person work together to create a treatment plan. The plan should:
- Address the identified issue
- Build on the person’s existing strengths
- Align with the person's goals
- Enhance the person's capacity for function, independence, and quality of life
Step 4: Review
After putting the treatment plan into action, the physiotherapist checks on progress. They make adjustments as needed to help the person stay on track.
What treatment strategies do physiotherapists use in aged care?
Physiotherapists in aged care use a mix of strategies to support their clients. Here are some examples:
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Physical exercise therapy
Physiotherapists create exercise programs that are personalised to each client. These programs may include:
- Stretching
- Conditioning
- Movements used in everyday activities
The exercises are designed to improve:
- Strength
- Balance
- Endurance
Manual therapy
Physiotherapists can use their hands to apply pressure and move muscles and joints.
This helps to restore movement and support recovery.
Education
Physiotherapists help clients and their families understand the underlying health problem and how it affects daily life.
They teach the person ways to manage their condition themselves. They also explain how to make lifestyle changes that can support the person's:
- Recovery
- Function
- Independence
Assistive products and home changes
Physiotherapists can prescribe tools to help with movement. This includes assistive products such as walking frames and orthotics. They also show clients how to use this equipment safely.
They may check the person's home for basic safety risks. If larger home changes are needed, they can refer the person to an occupational therapist.
When to refer to a physiotherapist
Early referral is crucial. Addressing changes in movement or function as soon as they happen can prevent further decline and lead to better outcomes.
Be sure to check your organisation’s referral policies.
Consider referral to a physiotherapist if your client presents with the following:
Mobility decline
Is your client finding it difficult to move around? This includes difficulty with:
- Walking
- Moving from sitting to standing
- Performing daily tasks without feeling tired or unsteady
A physiotherapist could assess movement patterns and prescribe exercises to improve:
- Strength
- Balance
- Coordination
Falls risk
Has your client fallen recently? Are they feeling nervous about falling again?
A physiotherapist could design a personalised balance program to help them:
- Understand the role of mobility and balance
- Regain their confidence to be active
Recent hospitalisation
Has your client been in hospital recently? They may still be recovering or finding it hard to regain their strength and independence.
A physiotherapist can help. They provide rehabilitation focused on safe movement. This may include manual therapy and exercise programs to help the person become more active.
This support can help reduce the risk of going back to hospital.
Chronic pain
Is your client living with pain that makes it hard to move or do everyday activities?
A physiotherapist can help by teaching pain management strategies, such as:
- Supportive exercises
- Pacing activities to avoid flare‑ups
- Relaxation techniques
A physiotherapist can also help the client understand their condition. This can support them to move and take part in daily life with more confidence.
For managers and providers
Qualifications to look for in a physiotherapist
When choosing a physiotherapist, make sure they are qualified and registered.
A physiotherapist must have a university degree in physiotherapy. Their course must be accredited (or recognised as equivalent) by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. They must also be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Check for:
- Current registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia
- Ongoing professional training
- Proof of professional insurance that covers the service they’ll be providing
This helps to ensure:
- Clients get safe and effective care
- Compliance with aged care rules
- The physiotherapist is accountable for the care they give clients
Keen to learn more about physiotherapy and other allied health roles in aged care? Contact us to organise a free professional development presentation for your team.
Takeaway
Here’s a summary of the key points made in this article:
- Physiotherapists play a key role in mobility and reablement for older adults.
- Support workers can identify signs for referral.
- Managers and providers must ensure staff are qualified and registered.
- Keep Able provides resources to help staff and managers get the right care for clients.