When is a Geriatric Assessment needed for an elderly?

A request for a geriatric assessment is necessary if there are persistent or intermittent symptoms such as, memory loss, confusion, or other signs of possible dementia. Often, what looks like Alzheimer's or dementia can be the result of medication interactions or other medical or psychiatric problems.  Because of the thoroughness of the geriatric assessment, it is one of the best ways to determine what the actual problem & cause is or is not.

What does a Geriatric Assessment consist of?

1.     An examination of the elderly current status in terms of:

• His/her physical, mental, & psychosocial health.
• His/her ability to function well & independently perform the basic activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, medication management, …etc.
• His/her living arrangements, social network, & their access to support services.

2.    An identification of current problems or anticipated future problems in any of these areas.

3.    The development of a comprehensive "Care Plan," which addresses all problems identified, suggests specific interventions or actions required, & makes specific recommendations regarding resources needed to provide the necessary support services.

4.    The management of a successful linkage between these resources, the elderly, & his/her family, so that granting the necessary services is assured.

5.    An ongoing monitoring to the extent that this linkage has, or has not, addressed the problems identified, & the modification of the Care Plan as needed.

Who performs a Geriatric Assessment?

Since the Geriatric Assessment is a complete review of the current status of the older person in all of his/her complex dimensions & because it is so comprehensive, it can only be successfully conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, who all work hand in hand at Dar El-Mona. This team often includes: