Our geriatric rehabilitation services help older adults improve function, maintain independence, and prevent disability through specialised physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietetics tailored to individual needs and goals.

It aims to:

• Prevent disability and reduce impairment through exercises, so that the patients can perform his/her daily activities

• Help patients maintain their independence in the community through the use of correct aids and appliances

• Help patients and their caregivers identify community services that may be of assistance to them

• Prevent or manage malnutrition through advising adequate nutrition so that rehabilitation effect can be optimised

Strategically located within the Centre for Geriatric Medicine, the geriatric rehabilitation services allow convenient access for older adults to meet their rehabilitative needs. We offer the following allied health services:

Physiotherapy Services

Through thorough assessments and examination, the geriatric rehabilitation physiotherapist will tailor treatment to each individual's needs.

The type of specialized geriatric rehabilitation for older patients may include:

• Assessment of function, gait and balance

• Functional mobility training

• Strength, balance and coordination training

• Prescription and education on use of walking aids

• Fall prevention education and advice

• Caregiver training to family member/carer on patient care, home management and home exercise program.

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapists (OTs) often work with older adults with chronic conditions, such as problems with memory, frequent falls or functional decline, to achieve their health goals, through engagement in meaningful activities. This includes facilitating individuals to gain skills and confidence in their activities of daily living (ADLs) or train their caregivers to assist them.

The range of services include:

• Home safety assessment and recommend modifications

• Caregiver education and training

• Assessment and re-training of self-care activities

• Cognitive assessment and training

• Prescription and use of adaptive equipment to aid in ADLs

Speech Therapy Services

A Speech Therapist provides assessments and interventions to patients who have communication and swallowing difficulties. He/she also provides training to care-givers and patients to educate them on how to swallow safely and to communicate effectively. 

The types of services include:

• Swallowing assessment

  • Clinical bedside assessment

  • Instrumental assessment such as Videofluoroscopy (VFS) and Fiber-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)

• Swallowing intervention such as:

  • Diet/fluid modifications

  • Strategies

  • Therapy

• Communication assessment and intervention

• Caregiver training such as:

  • Advice on supervised feeding, diet modification and medication taking

  • Advice on communication strategies for more effective communication with patients with dementia

Dietetics Services

Having a good nutritional status can prevent malnutrition and frailty in older adults. Chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes and kidney disease) can also be prevented or managed with a nutrition conscious diet.

The types of dietetic interventions include:

• Individualised nutrition support advice for those with unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite and swallowing impairment

• Individualised dietary counselling to manage chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes and kidney disease)

You will expect the dietitian to conduct a nutritional assessment on patient's condition, dietary requirements, intake and weight changes, and advise on a nutrition care plan and provide intervention according to patient's needs.