Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

• 14th Aug 2018

An elderly person returns home from the hospital after a long stay for surgery or other medical procedure or are discharged from a rehabilitation center. They may be staying with a relative or living independently. To get the best out of life and to ensure that their environment offers all they need, a comprehensive geriatric assessment in London is a great place to start.

Why do we need an elder assessment?

The older person might have had a comprehensive assessment in hospital or at rehab. It is a responsibility of a discharge planner to make arrangements for all necessary services to be in place before the elderly person returns home. However, it will never be possible for them to know all the elderly person’s needs and you might have to tweak them for the best results.

What is actually involved in a comprehensive assessment?

A comprehensive geriatric assessment is just that. It is an assessment of the needs, challenges, and any possible obstacles a person might face when they leave hospital and return home. Evaluation is carried out for:

• Psycho-social,
• Medical,
• And even spiritual aspects.

See a detailed breakdown of the features that make up a good assessment:

• Medical – This will cover hearing, medication, vision, bladder and bowel control, and any other aspects of health that are relevant. There might be discussions related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping the elderly person to quit smoking.
• Nutritional – Addressing diet and ensuring it is properly suited to individual requirements taking a thorough look at how some medications might restrict their diet. The final assessment will deal with preferences and choices that can be included in the older person’s new diet.
• Emotional – This will consider mood and any anxiety depression or forgetfulness. Treatment may be advised with anti-depressant and slow cognitive deterioration will be addressed with therapy or day programmes recommended.
• Functional – This will look at how well the elderly person copes with tasks like self-care and there will also be an assessment of balance and risk of falling evaluation. Assistive devices for seniors may be suggested including a walker or cane, occupational or physical therapy.
• Safety– Any danger in the home environment will be identified and assessment that will identify any neglect or abuse that the elderly person is at risk of, in their living environment.
• Economical – The person’s financial situation will be assessed and how they deal with everyday bills and finances. Some solutions to these kinds of issues may include:
  • Social services support
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Applying for assistance programs
  • A family member being appointed as representative payee or given Power of Attorney.
• Terminal – Where a patient is nearing the end of their life, end-of-life goals will be addressed including spiritual need and any advance directives.

A comprehensive assessment will lead to an individualised care plan at home or when they live with relatives. We know that both you and the older person to be cared for will benefit from ongoing assessment and review by this very helpful programme.