When to Refer to PT

For the Patient:

Mobility impairment in older adults can result from impairment in multiple physiological and neurological domains, each contributing to further age-related decline in functionality and vitality.   Impairments in cognition and mobility often go hand-in-hand, and impairment in one often accompanies impairment in the other. Compared to cognitively intact individuals, older adults with cognitive impairment tend to perform more poorly on mobility tests and report higher levels of disability.   There is also evidence to suggest that a decline in cognition is associated with decline in mobility regardless of whether the physical task requires a great cognitive input or not.  Consider referral to physical therapy if:

• The patient has comorbid medical conditions which limit physical mobility or create aches/pains

• The patient has had a fall or near fall within the past 6 months

• The patient requires balance and gait training outside the scope of occupational therapy.

For the Caregiver

Caring for a person with limited mobility can result in fatigue and injury to both the caregiver and the patient if not performed correctly. Consider referral to physical therapy if any of the following are true:

• The care provider has experienced back or neck pain within the past 3 months while physically helping or transferring a person with dementia;

• The caregiver is concerned about hurting his or her back while physically helping to transfer the person with dementia;

• The care provider has a history of injury or other medical conditions which place the care provider at greater risk for injury.

• The care provider has had a fall within the past 6 months.