Course Code: REL-RTS-0-ROASO
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Recognize the definitions and systemic impacts of severe obesity in older adults.
Identify therapy interventions, equipment adaptations, treatment adjustments, and care coordination strategies that promote independence and safety.
Outline:
Section 1: Understanding Severe Obesity
Obesity and BMI
Classes and Categories
Limitations of BMI in Older Adults
Why This Matters
Clinical and Functional Impacts
Muscular Health
Pulmonary Function and Activity Tolerance
Bone Health
Potential Protective Considerations
Post-Acute Risks and Clinical Red Flags
Early Warning Signs
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Therapy’s Role in Obesity Care
The Four Pillars of Obesity Management
What Are the Four Pillars?
The Role of the Interdisciplinary Team
Pharmacologic Weight Loss and Rehabilitation Support
GLP-1 Therapies and Muscle Considerations
Case Example: Brenda
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Equipment and Treatment Adaptations
Supporting Mobility, Transfers, and Pain Management
Bed Mobility and Transfers
Joint Pain
Gait Training
Pulmonary Function, Activity Tolerance, and Fatigue
Quick Check
Bariatric Equipment and Environmental Modifications
Equipment Needs for Transfers and Mobility
Equipment Needs for ADLs
Obtaining Equipment
Case Examples
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Planning and Documenting Care
Creating the Plan of Care
Timeline Expectations
Documenting for Accuracy and Equity
Case Example: Sarah in Home Health
Case Example: Jake
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT, PhD
Madeline Ratoza earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University and her PhD from Texas Woman’s University. She has a variety of experience working with adult and pediatric patients in acute care settings, outpatient clinics, and in home health. She has worked closely with patients with obesity in these settings as a therapist and a volunteer for community support groups. She is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Clinical Education at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas, where she teaches content related to social determinants of health, healthcare systems, and clinical education.
Writer: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Entry level Physical Therapist; Entry level Physical Therapist Assistant; Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Occupational Therapy Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.