Geisinger's Geriatric Assessment Program helps seniors promote good health

Some seniors may need help getting around town, while others may need assistance getting around the house. Regardless of the degree of need, Geisinger Health System utilizes a systematic approach through its Geriatric Assessment Program to identify the medical and social needs of a geriatric patient to design a custom course of treatment to help seniors and their families successfully manage the aging process.

"Sometimes it can become difficult for seniors to realize they have more difficulty handling tasks that were once simple," said Robb McIlvried, M.D., internal medicine, Geisinger Health System. "As is the case with most seniors, physical capacities change with age, and this can be challenging to cope with."

Geisinger's Geriatric Assessment Program at both Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) is designed for those ages 65 and older to receive geriatric care within the hospital, allowing for easily accessible follow-up testing and subspecialty consultation.

"The Geriatric Assessment Program helps seniors promote good health by indentifying and overcoming obstacles and evaluating the need for nursing home placement or assisted living," Dr. McIlvried said. "All this can be done in two visits, one with the patient and one with his or her family, after which all will leave with a detailed treatment plan that outlines steps to more successfully manage a time in a senior's life that can be significantly more difficult without proper guidance."

The Geriatric Assessment Program begins with an initial visit when patients consult with a board-certified geriatric physician, a registered nurse, a social worker and a pharmacist. The group reviews the patient's health history and medications, conducts a physical exam and performs a social assessment with the patient's family. At the visit's conclusion, patients and their families will review a presentation of referrals and recommendations for proper medical and social support.

"After completing the Geriatric Assessment Program, seniors and their families will be able to correctly determine whether the patient is better suited for their current living situation or a higher level of care," Dr. McIlvried said. "With the patient and his or her family, we will discuss a detailed plan that can address any issues and help ease the transition into elderly living."

Source: Geisinger Health System.