Comprehensive Geriatric Medical Assessments
for Seniors and Their Families
Involving the full spectrum of biomedical, psychosocial, and functional health needs
What is a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment?
A comprehensive geriatric medical assessment is designed to complement the care provided by the primary care physician. Assessments are provided by a Geriatric Medicine physician who has received specialized training in the care of older adults; Geriatric Medicine is a subspeciality of Internal Medicine. Individualized geriatric assessments and follow-up care are provided where the individual lives, be it a house, apartment, alone or with caregivers or other family members, assisted living, nursing home or other care facility. Tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual in question, assessments include of medical history reported by the individual and knowledgeable informants, review of medical records, detailed examination of physical, neurologic and cognitive functions, and assessment of daily living skills in the context of the home environment.
Interview and examination in the individual’s familiar environment are supplemented by input from family and caregivers to achieve the broadest perspective of the individual’s biomedical, psychosocial and functional health needs and how they may best be addressed. Assessments are frequently requested for concerns about cognitive decline, challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, general frailty, polypharmacy, falls, pain, decision-making ability, second opinions about specific medical conditions, determination of appropriate level of care, and medical advocacy to manage the increasingly complex medical care system.
Based on the evaluation, a written report may be provided to the primary physician to be incorporated into the individual’s ongoing plan of care and/or addressed in written form and meetings with family members and other caregivers. Recommendations may include suggestions for medication adjustments, testing, therapy, additional caregiving assistance, environmental modifications, or a different living setting (level of care), with periodic follow-up reassessments as indicated. The emphasis is on honest and sensitive appraisals of potential deficits, preservation of strengths, anticipation of further declines and projections about future needs in order to promote the highest possible independent functioning and quality of life.
When conducted by GCS, a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment includes the following:
Detailed medical and functional evaluation in the home;
Review of medications and barriers to compliance;
Evaluation of cognitive status and decision-making abilities;
Identification of unmet needs;
Suggestions to optimize functional health, including diet and exercise
Care Philosophy
Beyond advanced training in Geriatric Medicine, Dr. Haber has graduate degrees in social work and public health, enabling her broad perspective of health that incorporates the full spectrum of biomedical, mental health, psychosocial, environmental and functional health needs. Evaluations take place where the individual resides, be it a house or residential care community, with the belief is that the home setting where the most comprehensive assessment can be conducted.
Not only a skilled diagnostician, Dr. Haber is well-versed in oral and written communication, advocacy and mediation, and values education and understanding to move patients, families, caregivers and care providers to “get on the same page” and thereby achieve the best possible health outcomes. The entire assessment and follow-up process is designed to promote functional independence, preserve dignity, and optimize quality of life for seniors, regardless of diagnoses. Philosophically, the belief is that “less is more” and that age alone should never be a barrier to comprehensive, competent and compassionate health care.
Get In Touch With Us Today!
In addition to comprehensive geriatric assessments, Geriatrics Consulting offers:
Specialized Alzheimer’s Disease Care
Decision-Making and Functional Status
End of Life Care
Forensic Geriatrics
Organizational Development
Contact us to schedule a geriatric consultation.
