Advanced International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

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Potential Barriers to Accessing Physiotherapy Services Among Community-Dwelling Elderly in Goa: A Narrative Review

Author(s) Ashlesha Ashok Padte
Country India
Abstract ABSTRACT
Introduction & Background
Ageing population is accompanied by an increasing rise of chronic diseases, functional limitations and disability resulting in a growing need for rehabilitation services. Physiotherapy plays an important role in maintaining mobility, strength, balance, independence and participation among older adults. However, the availability of physiotherapy services does not necessarily ensure that older adults are able to access or continue using these services. Several individual, socioeconomic, environmental, family-related and healthcare related factors may influence the adherence to physiotherapy by elderly. Goa has growing elderly population, making it important to understand potential barriers that may affect utilization and adherence to physiotherapy services by community dwelling elderly.
Objective
To identify and discuss the potential barriers to accessing physiotherapy services by community dwelling elderly in Goa and to highlight possible approaches that may improve accessibility and continuity of physiotherapy care.
Methodology
A narrative review was adopted. Relevant literature concerning ageing, community-dwelling older adults, physiotherapy, geriatric rehabilitation, healthcare access and utilization, community participation, treatment adherence, home-based rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation was reviewed. Literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and relevant World Health Organization and Government of India sources were considered. Literature addressing barriers related to individual, socioeconomic, environmental, family and healthcare were synthesized thematically, with consideration given to evidence related to the Indian and Goan context.
Results
The reviewed literature indicates that access to physiotherapy services among community dwelling elderly may be influenced by multiple interacting barriers. Commonly identified potential barriers include limited awareness about physiotherapy, misconception about ageing, financial constraints, transportation difficulties, geographical distance, physical limitations, dependence on caregivers, fear of falling, social isolation, health literacy and communication difficulties. Digital literacy, internet connectivity and concerns regarding tele rehabilitation services may also influence access to emerging remote rehabilitation services. Environmental accessibility, waiting time and continuity of care may further affect regular utilization and adherence to physiotherapy.
Conclusion
Access to physiotherapy among community dwelling elderly is a multidimensional issue influenced by individual, socioeconomic, environmental, family-related and healthcare system related factors. Community based and domiciliary physiotherapy, improved referral pathways, caregiver education, awareness programs and integration of rehabilitation into primary healthcare may help reduce some of these barriers. Tele rehabilitation or hybrid models may provide an additional option for selected individuals, although digital literacy and technological accessibility need to be considered. Further research specifically investigating physiotherapy access and barriers among community dwelling elderly in Goa is required to develop locally appropriate and accessible rehabilitation services.
Keywords Ageing, Community-dwelling elderly, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Healthcare access, Barriers, Goa
Discipline Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 4, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On 2026-09-03
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