Course Code: REL-RTS-0-WGSIR
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Recognize geriatric syndromes and their influence on an older adult’s presentation.
Identify at least four risk factors associated with geriatric syndromes that can be addressed by therapy professionals.
Indicate at least three key components to include in the therapy evaluation or treatment of people with one or more geriatric syndromes.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction and Frailty
Overview
Common Geriatric Syndromes and Risk Factors
Frailty
Test Your Knowledge
Key Takeaways
Section 2: The Geriatric Syndromes
Falls
Delirium and Dementia
Incontinence
Malnutrition
Depression
Test Your Knowledge
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Multi-Disciplinary Assessment
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Functional Assessments
Polypharmacy
Social Support
Test Your Knowledge
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Writer: Wendy Phillips, PT, BSPT
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University. She has more than 25 years of experience working as a Physical Therapist in multiple care settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and outpatient orthopedics. Wendy has a strong manual therapy background and has completed additional training in McConnell taping, geriatric care, McKenzie MDT, Maitland Mobilizations for the joints and spine. She is most passionate about using her manual skills to improve mobility and reduce pain in individuals of all ages. As a Lead Physical Therapy writer for Relias, Wendy enjoys being able to combine her clinical knowledge with her interest in research and staying up-to-date with changes and advances in the field of rehabilitation.
Reviewer: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in settings including school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Subject Matter Expert: Kayla Hamilton, PT, DPT, NCS, CLT.
Kayla received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in Exercise Science and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Michigan –Flint. Kayla holds additional certifications as an ABPTS Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the APTA. She has been practicing PT for over 8 years and has spent most of her career working in inpatient rehabilitation with various neurological, orthopedic, and complex medical populations. Kayla is currently working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic and inpatient rehabilitation hospital as well as completing in-home assessments as a consultant for resource utilization.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Basic level Physical Therapist; Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Speech-Language Pathologists; in the following settings: Rehabilitation Settings.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.