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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2023 3 CARE IN THE SOCIETY Physiotherapy Movement is what keeps a person func- tional within his environment. When we have difficulty moving, we are unable to carry out our daily routine such as doing housework, running errands, and enjoying time with friends or family. Physiotherapists are movement experts. They carry out a full assessment of your movement ability and of factors which could influence the ability to move, such as strength, balance, pain, decreased joint range, and other problems. The physio- therapists carry out an assessment and then discuss a treatment plan with the pa- tient on how they can assist to reach the de- sired goal. At times, there might be health challenges which cannot be improved or overcome. In such cases, together with the patient, physiotherapists try to exhaust all options as to how one can remain func- tional within the imposed limitation. Treatment can involve carrying out exer- cise using assistive devices, or manual ther- apy to reduce pain and regain movement, or in a heated pool (aquatic therapy). The type of therapy depends on the needs of the individual as discussed with the phys- iotherapist. The treatment would usually include the physiotherapist guiding the person to carry out a set of exercises which would need to be carried over for continuation at home. The exercise depends on your abilities. The service is personalised, and improvement depends on various factors and the per- son's health condition. The service can be accessed by obtaining a referral from the patient's family doctor for physiotherapy at St Vincent de Paul. Vascular Vascular surgery has an increasingly ac- tive role in patients aged 65 and over. In this age group, complications of ather- osclerosis in the lower limbs can lead to morbidity, mortality as well as reducing the quality of life. With advances in minimal- ly invasive techniques to treat lower limb atherosclerosis, we can treat older patients with less complications. At St Vincent de Paul, three consultant vascular surgeons offer outpatient services twice a week. These services are offered as part of a multidisciplinary team together with podiatry and specialist nurses. These services can be accessed via referral by gen- eral practitioner or geriatrician. Audiometry Audiology services involve the assess- ment, management, and rehabilitation of people with hearing and balance problems and other associated disorders. For many, age related hearing loss im- pacts social, emotional and mental well- being. This creates a negative spiral that can contribute to depression, isolation and cognitive decline. Following testing, the ENT Consultant reports back to the audiologist if the pa- tient is eligible for the hearing aid service. The patient is seen in Audiology for Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry. If ap- propriate, a hearing aide is recommended, and an appointment is issued for impres- sion taking. During the hearing aid fitting session, information is provided on using, cleaning and basic troubleshooting of a hearing aid. ENT consultants/audio vestibular physi- cians will refer patients directly for assess- ment by the audiology team. GP's from the health centres and family GP's can refer patients to the audiology unit at ENT out- patient. Referrals will then be directed to the adult audiology clinic for initial assess- ment. Vascular Audiometry