Perspective from Physical Therapy
someone 98, and someone 101. When I started
25 years ago, I would have estimated an average
age of 70 to 75. And, I never had anyone over
95. A few years ago, I had a lady of 106 years.
People are definitely living longer. We all
thought baby boomers were going to flood the
gates, but instead, they are staying in their homes
longer, and the true seniors are living longer
and longer. So, we will continue to see more
and more assisted living facilities, memory care
units (dementia), and senior communities being
developed.
By age 80+, almost everyone has a foot/gait
impairment. Gravity is a cruel mistress. PTs rarely
miss a thing on gait deviations, but the finer
mechanics of the foot and ankle are often lost
in the shuffle of so many larger pressing issues.
You have to be able to stand up before you can
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Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org
Photo from: @iStock.com/KatarzynaBialasiewicz
"The general
outcomes of
a therapy
program vary
from building
to building.
It depends on
what level of
client your
facility is
equipped to
manage."
walk, and, that’s what I’m dealing with. I try my
hardest not to overlook the finer mechanics of
how my patients’ feet affect their functional level,
but often, it is so tertiary to what we are dealing
with, that it takes back seat. I wish every SNF /
LTC had stronger affiliations with orthotists and
pedorthists who made regular visits. Traveling
“gypsy” toe-trimmer-podiatry companies have
forged their place in the market. I wish your
profession could shadow and consult with these
people more often, or better combine forces.
They should show up, contact you, and have you
contact me.
Overall, in the LTC and SN