{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.026608611514271893, 'fraction_numerical': 0.010159651669085631, 'mean_word_length': 5.24773413897281, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
The Value of Geriatric Physical Therapy: Excerpts from 'We Can Do Better': 2020 Carole B. Lewis Distinguished Lecture: Address to the APTA Geriatrics Membership at the Combined Sections Meeting, Denver, CO, February 13, 2020.

Geriatric physical therapy variability of care negatively affects our value. For example, the public does not know how to determine the quality of a physical therapy encounter or a high-quality physical therapist. In short, older adults often do not know what to expect in their encounter with a physical therapist. Our value is hiding under a bushel basket! I believe the variability of care comes from not having a unifying approach to aging. Many therapists practice from the mechanistic approach of fixing. However, adopting a “fix it” approach can create unrealistic expectations and ultimate disappointment because aging can’t be fixed. Alternatively, the building capacity model promotes and strengthens older adults’ abilities while developing the skills that allow adaptation. Thus, abilities are retained in concert with the individual’s expectations and desires for function, activity, and participation. The building capacity model appeals to older adults’ self-perceptions and is the model that provides the most value to society. But to achieve this value, we need some consistency of practice. Therefore, I believe we need to establish a set of exemplars or standards that are informed by evidence, the models of Healthy Aging Initiative, World Health Organization, and the 4Ms framework, and of course the vision of the Academy. Exemplars inform quality benchmarks that can quantify our value and promote consistency of practice. With these exemplars, consumers can shop for effective practitioners and align their expectations. Exemplars can be used to inform geriatric content in the educational curriculum. The continuum of care, that is all settings, should reflect these 2020 Carole B. Lewis Distinguished Lecture Address to the APTA Geriatrics Membership at the Combined Sections Meeting, Denver, CO, February 13, 2020