Comprehensive Geriatric Medical Assessments
for Seniors and Their Families
Involving the full spectrum of biomedical, psychosocial, and functional health needs
Interview and examination
Is in the individual’s familiar environment and 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
polypharmacy
weakness and functional decline
falls
pain
decision-making abilities
challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
second opinions regarding specific medical conditions
determination of appropriate living environment (level of care)
anticipating current and future needs
medical advocacy to manage an 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;
medication changes
additional testing
physical, occupational and/or speech therapy
caregiving assistance,
environmental modifications
a different living setting (level of care)
periodic follow-up reassessments
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.
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
polypharmacy
weakness and functional decline
falls
pain
decision-making abilities
challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
second opinions regarding specific medical conditions
determination of appropriate living environment (level of care)
anticipating current and future needs
medical advocacy to manage an increasingly complex medical care system
What is a Comprehensive Geriatric 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 in-home 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:
medical history reported by the individual and knowledgeable informants
review of medical records
review of medications, polypharmacy and barriers to compliance
detailed examination of physical, neurologic and cognitive functions
evaluation of mental status and decision-making abilities
assessment of functioning and daily living skills in the context of the home environment
discovery of potentially unmet needs
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.
