Physical therapy assessment and treatment protocol for nursing home residents.

This article describes a standard protocol for assessing physical function in elderly nursing home residents. Major physical dimensions that are measured with the protocol include range of motion, muscle force, muscle reflex activity, sensation, soft tissue status, balance/coordination, and posture. A practical, functionally prioritized treatment model based on the assessment is also presented. The standardized assessment and treatment plan may be useful to the physical therapist in (1) planning and prioritizing treatment, (2) identifying when goals have been met, (3) recognizing when there is a need for treatment plan modification, and (4) educating physical therapy students in applying problem-solving skills in their treatment sessions.