The Hidden Burden of Spasticity in Long-term Care: Impact on Function and Pain

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to summarize the distribution of spasticity symptoms identified through standardized screening and physiatrist-confirmed assessments, and discuss their relationship with resident demographics and comorbidity profiles.
• Participants will be able to interpret how higher spasticity severity correlates with greater pain and reduced motor independence, drawing on quantitative findings from validated assessment tools such as the Spasticity Screening Tool (SST), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and PAINAD.
• Participants will be able to evaluate how systematic spasticity screening, interdisciplinary assessment, and targeted staff education can promote timely identification and management of spasticity, ultimately improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burden.