INTERGENERATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT

Abstract

Background & Purpose: Intergenerational experiences are not a new concept. Adult day care programs, skilled nursing facilities and retirement communities have offered programs that provide activities for older adults that involve children. Research suggests that these interactions build sensitivity and compassion in children as well as an improve sense of well being and decreased isolation in older adults. The literature does not address the role of physical therapy treatment for both children and older adults in an intergenerational clinical setting. Case Description: During outpatient physical therapy treatments where pediatrics and older adults participate in the same clinical space, therapists noted some similarities in interventions for clients regardless of age. A trial intervention session between a 92 y.o. female and a 6 y.o. male was conducted to address strengthening and balance training that worked within the Guidelines and Standards for Intergenerational Practice as established by Elizabeth Larkin and Vicki Rosebrook. Particularly, Standard I: The Intergenerational specialist draws upon knowledge of human development across the life span to plan and implement effective programs that bring young people and older adults together for mutual benefits and Standard VI: The intergenerational specialist is a reflective, caring professional whose purpose is to bring young people and older adults together for their mutual benefit. Patient pairing was chosen based on similarities in intervention needs. The 92 y.o. female was diagnosed with Meniere's disease and peripheral neuropathy that resulted in balance dysfunction. The 6 y.o. male was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) with the greatest functional needs in motor planning and dynamic balance. Both patients presented with poor proximal stability. Outcomes: Interventions included activities that focused on dynamic standing balance, trunk rotation, and quadruped reaching. Patient compliance and interaction were improved as noted by increase duration performing tasks and improved attention to tasks. The older adult took on a mentorship role and the child demonstrated improved effort to all tasks when encouraged by a “grandmotherly” figure as opposed to a therapist. Both patients reported enjoying the experience. The older adult continued to express concern over the younger child's progress, while the younger child asks if he can “play” with the older adult. Discussion: This case study demonstrates feasibility of a positive intergenerational physical therapy treatment session. Further studies are needed to formally assess the outcomes of intergenerational intervention versus traditional physical therapy approach. Outcomes that should be considered include patient attitudes, community carry-over, and quality of life measures.