Geriatric Assessment
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
The geriatric assessment is a multidimensional, multidisciplinary diagnostic instrument designed to collect data on the medical, psychosocial and functional capabilities and limitations of elderly patients. Various geriatric practitioners use the information generated to develop treatment and long-term follow-up plans, arrange for primary care and rehabilitative services, organize and facilitate the intricate process of case management, determine long-term care requirements and optimal placement, and make the best use of health care resources.
The geriatric assessment differs from a standard medical evaluation in three general ways: (1) it focuses on elderly individuals with complex problems, (2) it emphasizes functional status and quality of life, and (3) it frequently takes advantage of an interdisciplinary team of providers. Whereas the standard medical evaluation works reasonably well in most other populations, it tends to miss some of the most prevalent problems faced by the elder patient. These challenges, often referred to as the "Five I's of Geriatrics", include intellectual impairment, immobility, instability, incontinence and iatrogenic disorders. The geriatric assessment effectively addresses these and many other areas of geriatric care that are crucial to the successful treatment and prevention of disease and disability in older people.
Performing a comprehensive assessment is an ambitious undertaking. Below is a list of the areas geriatric providers may choose to assess:
• Current symptoms and illnesses and their functional impact.
• Current medications, their indications and effects.
• Relevant past illnesses.
• Recent and impending life changes.
• Objective measure of overall personal and social functionality.
• Current and future living environment and its appropriateness to function and prognosis. • Family situation and availability.
• Current caregiver network including its deficiencies and potential.
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The geriatric assessment is a multidimensional, multidisciplinary diagnostic instrument designed to collect data on the medical, psychosocial and functional capabilities and limitations of elderly patients. Various geriatric practitioners use the information generated to develop treatment and long-term follow-up plans, arrange for primary care and rehabilitative services, organize and facilitate the intricate process of case management, determine long-term care requirements and optimal placement, and make the best use of health care resources.
The geriatric assessment differs from a standard medical evaluation in three general ways: (1) it focuses on elderly individuals with complex problems, (2) it emphasizes functional status and quality of life, and (3) it frequently takes advantage of an interdisciplinary team of providers. Whereas the standard medical evaluation works reasonably well in most other populations, it tends to miss some of the most prevalent problems faced by the elder patient. These challenges, often referred to as the "Five I's of Geriatrics", include intellectual impairment, immobility, instability, incontinence and iatrogenic disorders. The geriatric assessment effectively addresses these and many other areas of geriatric care that are crucial to the successful treatment and prevention of disease and disability in older people.
Performing a comprehensive assessment is an ambitious undertaking. Below is a list of the areas geriatric providers may choose to assess:
• Current symptoms and illnesses and their functional impact.
• Current medications, their indications and effects.
• Relevant past illnesses.
• Recent and impending life changes.
• Objective measure of overall personal and social functionality.
• Current and future living environment and its appropriateness to function and prognosis. • Family situation and availability.
• Current caregiver network including its deficiencies and potential.
•