The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) urges Member Organisations to take action by vigorously encouraging legislative and regulatory bodies to incorporate the following principles into their national planning and programmes:

1. There should be active involvement of physical therapists with appropriate knowledge and experience in developing policy and planning relating to services for older people at international, national and local levels.
2. Prompt and coordinated services provided by physical therapists should be available and accessible to older people experiencing problems which affect their ability to function.
3. Providing physical therapy services for older people who usually live at home, such as home physical therapy, out-patient clinics, day hospitals, day care centres and respite care, should be promoted as an alternative to high cost hospital or institutional care.
4. Physical therapy programmes should be established for those who do not have direct access to mainstream services, for example older people in rural areas.

Download Position Statement: Physical Therapy Services for Older People