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About the Section on Geriatrics

 

GERIATRICS, health care concerned with the aging, is a rapidly growing specialty in physical therapy. The Section on Geriatrics supports those therapists, assistants, and students that work with an aging population in roles of advocacy, direct patient care, consultation, supervision, and education. The Section on Geriatrics was formed in 1978 to address the needs of the physical therapy practitioner working with the aging client. The Section represents and serves over 5,000 members with a wide array of services and benefits.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Section on Geriatrics is to further our members ability to provide best practice physical therapy and to advocate for optimal aging.

Our History

Read About the History of the Section on Geriatrics in the GeriNotes 25th Anniversary Edition.

We Value:

  • Older people and aging as a positive event.
  • The unique contributions of physical therapy to enhance the quality of life of all older adults.
  • Collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
  • Quality of life as enhanced throughout the lifespan by following principles of health promotion, prevention of disease, and appropriate rehabilitation intervention.
  • The highest standards of clinical practice as supported by research and education.
  • The current and potential contributions of each physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and student member.
  • Communication among the members.
  • Leadership's accountability to the members considering their current and anticipated needs.
  • The cultural diversity of each member and older adult.

Official Section on Geriatrics Position Statements

Section Strategic Plan Goals 2010-2013:

  1. Promote and support autonomous physical therapist practice with the aging population
  2. Facilitate use of best physical therapy practice for optimal aging.
  3.  Advocate for the health, wellness, fitness, and physical function needs of the aging adult.
  4. Promote physical therapists as practitioners of choice for optimizing physical function with aging adults
  5. Recruit and Retain Members

Section on Geriatrics 2011 Budget

Download the Section's 2011 Budget (requires login)
Benefits of Membership
GeriNotes is an in-depth newsletter, addressing current issues, legislative concerns, clinical practice information, and areas for member involvement which comes out six times a year Research, clinical, and education awards for contributions in the promotion of geriatric physical therapy;

Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, a refereed journal, containing research on geriatric issues, is published quarterly;
Access to special educational programs and conferences sponsored by the section featuring experts in the field of geriatric physical therapy including geriatric clinical specialists;

Linkage between the section and national and international gerontological groups;

Discounts on programs sponsored by the section

Access to a network of geriatric special interest groups throughout the country; Informational packet with membership;

Access to Entrepreneurial Loan Click here for criteria

Ability to influence the direction of the Section, as we work to advance the practice of Geriatric PT.  Members are always welcome to participate as volunteer leaders or to send us their ideas and opinions." 

Legislation support and information.
Access to Members Only Resources of the Section's website

Who Should Join?

It is essential for any physical therapist, assistant, or student involved with aging clients to stay current in the field of geriatric physical therapy. You should join if you:
  • Provide direct care to geriatric clients in an acute, long term, home health, hospice, or outpatient setting;
  • Supervise health care practitioners involved in the care of the geriatric client;
  • Are involved in the education of health care practitioners specializing in geriatrics;
  • Develop and/or implement programs involving the aging adult;
  • Are a student desiring current information in the field of geriatric physical therapy.
    (Note: American Physical Therapy Association membership is a requirement for becoming a section member)
Applying for Section Membership

 

1) Contact APTA membership dept. (1-800-999-APTA ext. 3124)

OR

2) Apply online with APTA membership additions

 
 
 
 
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Section on Geriatrics - APTA
3510 East Washington Ave.
Madison WI 53704
(866) 586-8247