Cardiopulmonary Geriatrics Health & Wellness

Applying a Geriatric Care Model to Treat COVID-19 Long-Haulers


March 16, 2022 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

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Mitchelle Calderon, PT, DPT, CEEAA, GCS
Sally Fisher, PT, DPT, NCCDP, GCS, CEEAA
Heidi Moyer, PT, DPT, CEEAA, GCS

Healthcare in a post COVID-19 world has been forever changed. Research is still being churned out daily with new management strategies as fast as statisticians and researchers can review available data. While symptoms vary widely, clinical management of COVID-19 “Long Haulers” have presented a unique challenge to the physical therapy world. Regardless of age, these individuals may experience debility, weakness, fatigue, and functional decline at a severity usually only seen in older adults who have experienced hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD). Current evidence of treatment for the recovery of subacute and chronic COVID-19 sequelae recommends management of these patients in a strategy similar to those typically employed with older adults to manage HAD. This presentation will examine the current evidence in the rehabilitation of these individuals and assess these treatment strategies through the lens of that commonly used with geriatric populations to better manage the lingering effects of COVID-19 infection.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Select relevant outcome measures to assess the signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 long haulers.
  2. Compare and contrast the signs/symptoms of COVID-19 post intensive care syndrome (PICS) in any age group and hospital associated deconditioning (HAD)in the older adult population.
  3. Design a plan of care to manage post intensive care syndrome (PICS) within COVID-19 long haulers.
  4. Evaluate the effects that COVID-19 clinical management interrupts usual care for the older adult population.

Intended Audience:  All levels

Course References