About Us

The Seniors’ Health Division (SHD) is the special interest group within the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) dedicated to physiotherapy practice in rehabilitative care of older adults. SHD is comprised of physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and physiotherapy support personnel from across Canada. Our members practice in a variety of settings, including acute geriatric care, geriatric rehabilitative and restorative units, long-term care settings, community-based and home care settings.

Seniors’ Health Division Vision:

Older Canadians are moving, moving more and moving better, with the help of physiotherapists.

Seniors’ Health Division Mission:

To support our members in providing excellent physiotherapy care
to optimize the independence and quality of life of older adults.

Connect With SHD!

Meet Our Team

Knowledge Translation Representative – Lina Santaguida

Pasqualina Santaguida is a physical therapist and an Assistant Professor in the department oh Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI). She has research interests in evidence synthesis, implementation sciences and mobility problems in older adults. More recently, she has clinical interests in mobility related disability in older adults who don’t speak English and osteoarthritis.

Communications Coordinator – Helen Johnson

Helen Johnson is a physiotherapist with experience spanning many health system sectors, including acute care, rehabilitation, home care and specialized geriatric services, as well as management at the hospital and legacy LHIN level.

She completed her Masters’ degree in Health and Rehabilitation Science, Health and Aging at Western University in 2011, and Clinical Specialist Certification in Seniors’ Health, through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) Clinical Specialty Program in 2012. Helen works at Ontario Health West Region, supporting rehabilitative care, long term care and other health system priorities. Helen is a member of the Ontario Rehabilitative Care Alliance (RCA) Steering Committee and provincial Fall Prevention Collaborative.

Benefits of Membership

Networking with other physiotherapy colleagues working in seniors care across Canada
Access to members-only resources on our website
Educational and professional development opportunities
Member discounts on division sponsored courses
Advocacy for rehabilitative care needs of older adults

Become a member