Geriatric In-Home Physical Therapy for Seniors: 5 Myths Busted

October 1 is Global Physical Therapist Day, and PT for seniors is one big reason to celebrate! In-home physical therapy for seniors boasts a range of benefits that can help your loved one maintain their independence, improve quality of life, and live safely, comfortably in their own home well into their golden years.

Physical therapy may carry certain images or assumptions that prevent seniors from taking advantage of it. Sports fans may think of it as being purely for injuries, while others might vaguely remember a friend doing PT after a minor car accident. The benefits of physical therapy for seniors are not well-publicized, nor are the reasons for PT beyond major injuries.

Below, we correct five common myths around physical therapy, with tips on why seniors should strongly consider geriatric PT even if they think they’re in pretty good health right now.

Myth #1: Physical therapy is just for injuries.

This is the most important myth we can bust; senior physical therapy is best used preventatively!

Falls are the leading cause of injury among American seniors aged 65+. According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 older adults fall each year, and falls account for some 3 million emergency department visits each year. As we age, we lose some degree of muscle mass and strength. We become tired sooner, have slower reaction times, and have a higher risk of losing our balance. Preventative physical therapy is focused on building muscle strength and increasing stability to improve mobility and reduce your chances of accident or injury, including falls. Elderly PT targets flexibility and strength-building, the result being more freedom to safely do the activities you love as you age.

Much like general PT, geriatric PT involves education about one’s body and the way it moves. A physical therapist can alert the senior to patterns of movement (or lack of movement) that lead to problems over time, sometimes called preventative deconditioning. They can teach the senior remedial strategies such as exercises, better posture, or modified movements to prevent new issues and keep current issues from worsening.

As a preventative measure, PT can be used as “prehab” to speed recovery after procedures like hip or knee replacements. It can improve conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, COPD, Parkinson’s, cognitive decline, the effects of cancer and its treatment, and urinary incontinence.

In addition, yes: PT is for injuries, too. Seniors with sprains, tendonitis, and those who are recovering from strokes can all benefit greatly from physical therapy.

Myth #2: Only those who are in pain need geriatric physical therapy.

Aches and pains are a clear reason to see a physical therapist, and this advice flies in the face of the assumption that aging means feeling pain. Seniors do not have to simply accept pain as a part of life! They are also not destined to a high risk of falls and accidents. A physical therapist can help with all of the above.

Furthermore, discomfort, stiffness, and subtle loss of mobility (for example, in your shoulder, wrist, or knees) are all reasons to seek geriatric PT as well. These can all be improved with expert attention and targeted exercises. Seniors do not have to wait until these milder conditions turn into intense or chronic pain to see a physical therapist.

Myth #3: Physical therapy is a one-size-fits-all set of routines.

Geriatric physical therapy exercises are not just modified versions of routines built for general injury rehabilitation (if there was such a thing in the first place). In addition to being designed for older bodies, they are also designed for the individual.

There are several types of physical therapy techniques, including:

• Manual, where the therapist uses hands-on techniques and massage to address pain and tension
• Exercise, including stretches, weight training, and aquatic (pool-based) workouts
• Cold or heat therapy, which uses temperature applications to reduce inflammation or relieve tight muscles
• Electrical or ultrasound therapy, lesser-used techniques applied to pains or muscle spasms

Some seniors feel intimidated by the idea that a physical therapist will push them beyond what their body can safely do. They might imagine complicated, strenuous routines that hurt and leave them exhausted. Others might imagine overly easy, purposeless sessions where no real change comes from their time and efforts. It is not in anyone’s interest for a physical therapist to prescribe an unpleasant, ineffective, overwhelming, or dangerous care plan! Instead, they will get to know you, your lifestyle, and the way your body moves. Routines are tailored to the individual so that exercises are effective—making a real difference—as well as safe.

Myth #4: Physical therapy is the same as occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy is a wonderful resource that can help seniors retain their independence at home while ensuring their safety. It overlaps slightly with physical therapy in that an occupational therapist can teach their senior patient basic balance and strength-training exercises, as well as help with accountability to do those exercises regularly.

However, this is not their entire focus, as they will also address the senior’s home modifications and help optimize everyday tasks. A PT, in contrast, is solely focused on enhancing physical ability, mobility, and wellbeing. Their care plan for the senior will be better-targeted and provide more specialized knowledge to keep them physically able and healthy into their advanced age.

Myth #5: Physical therapy is hard to access.

Some seniors and their families hesitate to explore PT because of the need to get to a hospital or clinic several times per week. They might also assume a high out-of-pocket cost.

Your loved one’s primary care physician, in-home caregiver, Medicare.gov, or ChoosePT.com (offered by the American Physical Therapy Association) are good resources to search for PT. While some seniors may need to visit a PT center occasionally, you can expect your loved one’s physical therapist to teach them how to practice their routine at home. Physical therapy for the elderly is purposely accessible to those who cannot easily leave their homes, and geriatric physical therapy is becoming more available in-home, though availability varies around the country. Thankfully, physical therapy for elderly patients is increasingly offered on-site at assisted and independent living facilities, respite care centers, and memory care clinics.

Concerning cost, many seniors with Medicare Part B need only a referral from their doctor to access covered PT. Medicaid covers PT for some patients, and programs such as Aid and Attendance are available to qualifying military veterans.

Because of its many benefits, it is worth exploring how geriatric physical therapy fits into your loved one’s care plan and coverage. If your loved one needs home care, our VetAssist mission is to make home care easily and quickly accessible for those who qualify through the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans Home Care can help you determine whether you or your loved one will be eligible to receive the benefit, which can cover some or all of the cost of home care, and we make it easy to apply. Chat with us via our website, or call us at (888) 314-6075.