The Geriatric Patient: The Chiropractor’s Role in Evaluation and Management

Chiropractors are important in the evaluation and management of geriatric patients. This includes recognizing risk factors and determining which patients need further evaluation and/or trigger a comprehensive geriatric evaluation. Since comprehensive evaluation is time consuming, presenters will review how the examination can be broken down over a number of visits. Most importantly, chiropractors should assess functional status and fall risk. This presentation will review the important components of the examination process, as well as the SPLAT questionnaire. It will also focus specifically on fall assessments. A few of the tests reviewed will be Berg Balance, 30-Second Chair Stand, Timed Up and Go and Reach Test. Finally, we will review common exercises that can be used to improve resistance and balance.