Geriatric Didactic Summary

As part of the PTA program we completed a service learning project called Keep Stepping. In year one, we worked as a group to develop a group exercise program that included a warm up, work-out and cool down. We were assigned a senior citizen from the community who, after approval from their doctor, volunteered to participate in the program. On the first day of the program, we administered the Senior Fitness Test which includes a 6 minute walk. We used the results of the fitness test along with the person's goals to develop a home exercise program. We monitored vitals, provided skilled care, progressed them through their exercises during the program and also progressed them with their HEP as they participated in Keep Stepping twice a week for 8 weeks. We provided written information on various education topics related to health and wellness as well as group presentations provided by groups of 2 or 3 students each week. Documentation was done in a SOAP note format.

In year two, we again worked as a group to develop a circuit program for our participants which also included a warm up and cool down. We provided our clients with education on relevant topics, created an HEP and weekly group presentations. During this semester our documentation was done in e-format using WEB PT.

The program was a great way for us as students to work with a real person with real health issues. We learned a lot from our volunteers and appreciate them participating in the program to help with our hands on learning.

Below are links to the Senior Fitness Test stations and what the results mean, the HEP for my first Keep Stepping client and one of the educational handouts I provided for my client. Also included is a power point presentation created by myself and another student for the Keep Stepping clients. It provides education on the different types of heart medications and how they affect exercise.