Physiotherapy in aged care settings can be used to improve the quality of life for residents, and to allow them to maintain their independence for longer.
Introduction – Physiotherapy in Aged Care Facilities
Aged care physiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, falls prevention, pain management, and more, to improve health problems in residents and assist with daily living.
Physiotherapy is one of the most important aspects of an individual occupational therapy plan in aged care facilities. It helps to improve the quality of life for residents, and allows them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. In this article, we will discuss the role of physiotherapy in aged care facilities, and how it can be used to improve the lives of elderly nursing home residents.
Occupational therapy plans
Physiotherapy is an important part of many aged care facilities’ occupational therapy plans. It can help to improve the quality of life for residents and allow them to maintain their independence for longer. Physiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, falls prevention, pain management and more.
Physiotherapists and physiotherapy services can be used in a number of ways in aged care facilities. It can be used to help residents with their mobility, to reduce pain, and to improve their overall quality of life. Physiotherapy can be used as part of a group therapy program, or it can be used on an individual basis.
Occupational therapists use physiotherapy to help residents regain or maintain their independence. They will develop individualised treatment plans based on the needs of each resident. The aim of physiotherapy is to reduce the impact of a condition on a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Physiotherapy for Falls prevention
Physiotherapy plays an important role in falls prevention among the elderly population residing within aged care facilities. Aged care facility staff should assess each resident’s risk factors for falling and design an individualised falls prevention program that may include individually tailored physical training.
There are many physiotherapy interventions that can be used to prevent falls in the elderly. These include strength and balance training, gait re-education, use of assistive devices and more.

“Australians today enjoy a longer life expectancy than previous generations, but for some this is disrupted by falls. As we age, our sure-footedness declines and, at the same time, our bones become increasingly brittle. The comment that ‘he fell and broke his hip’ is heard all too often — in fact, almost one in three older Australians will suffer a fall each year. Such falls can have extremely serious consequences, including significant disability and even death.”
Professor Chris Baggoley – Chief Executive, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
August 2009
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Strength and balance training
One of the most important aspects of physiotherapy for falls prevention is strength and balance training. This type of exercise helps to improve a person’s balance and coordination, and can reduce the risk of falls.
Gait re-education
Gait re-education is another important physiotherapy intervention for falls prevention. This involves teaching residents how to walk correctly, and how to use their walking aid or assistive devices properly.
Use of assistive devices
Assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, can also be used to prevent falls. Physiotherapists can help residents to choose the right type of device for their needs, and can teach them how to use it properly.
Using physio to manage Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that physiotherapy is used to treat in the aged care setting. Physiotherapy can be used to help residents with arthritis manage their pain and improve their mobility. Physiotherapy can be used to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joints, which can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Techniques physios use to manage arthritis include;
– Joint protection
– Muscle strengthening
– Exercise therapy
Joint protection
Joint protection is a physiotherapy technique that involves protecting the joints from further damage. This can be done by using assistive devices, such as splints or braces, to support the joints. It can also involve avoiding activities that will put too much strain on any joints.
Muscle strengthening
Muscle strengthening is another physiotherapy technique that can be used to treat arthritis. This involves exercises that target the muscles around the joints. These exercises help to improve muscle strength and joint stability, which can reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Exercise programs
Exercise programs are an important part of physiotherapy for arthritis. They help to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These programs can be done on an individual basis or as part of a group.

Pain management services
Physiotherapy can also be used to help residents with chronic pain manage their symptoms. Physiotherapy can help to increase a person’s pain threshold, and it can also help to reduce the amount of medication a person needs to take for their pain.
Physiotherapists can use a variety of techniques, such as massage, heat and cold therapy, and electrical stimulation, to help reduce pain.
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“Chronic pain is a common condition among residents of aged care facilities and effective pain management should be a core responsibility of all providers.”
Painaustralia.org.au
- It’s important to note that in a residential aged care facility, any physiotherapists need to be experienced physiotherapists and treatment techniques need to be individualised and appropriate for each resident, based on their health conditions. There needs to be efficient documentation processes and any other health professionals working with that person need to be aware of any physical rehabilitation that is being undertaken.

Conclusion – Physiotherapy in Aged Care Facilities
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the care of individuals in residential aged care facilities. It can be used to improve the quality of life for residents and to allow them to maintain their independence for longer, as well as potentially improve any overall health conditions.
In this article, we have discussed the role of physiotherapy in aged care facilities, and how it can be used to improve the lives of residents. If you are a physiotherapist working in an aged care facility, or if you are considering physiotherapy as a treatment option for yourself or a loved one, we hope that this article has been helpful. Thank you for reading!
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