OTA 224 Geriatric Theory & Practice

Explores normal development, common diagnoses, and occupational contexts associated with aging. Students learn theory and practice skills for performing assessments and providing treatment for geriatric clients. Emphasis is place on safety, activity analysis, therapeutic use of self, and documentation. Required: Admission into the OTA program.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: PSY 215 Intro Developmental Psychology with a grade of "C" or better.

Corequisite

Corequisite: OTA 228 Clinical Skills & Therapeutic Methods II

Notes

Career Technical Education (CTE) Course

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Incorporate knowledge from prerequisite courses of anatomy, physiology, and psychology into occupational therapy practice with geriatric clients. Describe common diagnoses of physical and mental health conditions seen in occupational therapy practice with geriatric clients. Relate geriatric occupational performance to occupational contexts. Gather and record data to contribute to the evaluation of geriatric clients, including information about occupational performance in ADL and IADL. Administer select screening and assessment instruments for geriatric clients according to protocol. Use occupation for the purpose of assessment. Contribute to the development of the intervention plan and intervention strategies for geriatric clients through collaboration with the occupational therapist, the client, and others as appropriate, using occupational theories, models, and frames of reference to support contributions. Use professional literature to support evidence-based decision-making. Implement select interventions for geriatric clients in a manner that is safe, effective, and ethical. Monitor client's response to intervention. Assess need to continue, modify, or discontinue intervention, and make recommendations to the occupational therapist accordingly. Educate clients and caregivers to facilitate the development of skills in areas of occupation, as well as prevent disease and injury, promote health and wellness. Communicate with clients, caregivers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare team members appropriately, accurately, effectively, and in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Document occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services, adhering to applicable facility, local, state, federal, and reimbursement agencies. Understand and articulate care coordination, case management, and transition services in traditional and emerging practice environments. Demonstrate interventions that address dysphagia and disorders of feeding and eating, and train others in precautions and techniques while considering client and contextual factors.