Geriatric Assessment: What Is It and Do I Need It?

You may have heard of a geriatric assessment, but do you know what’s actually involved? Have you shied away from it because of the stereotypes associated with the very word geriatric? Putting aside the key word for the moment, a geriatric assessment is important for even healthy older adults. It’s a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s physical, mental and functional status to create a holistic picture of your well-being, health issues and care. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What does a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Examine?

• Cognition: The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia increases with age, with an incidence of 13.1% among Americans aged 75 to 84, rising to 33.2% for people over the age of 85. Yet, according to an Alzheimer’s Association report, many people go undiagnosed. More than half of primary care physicians (PCPs) say they are not completely comfortable diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a sign of early Alzheimer’s or dementia.
• Mood and motivation: Are you feeling blue, depressed or anxious? Have you lost interest in doing things? Studies have shown a connection between social isolation and depression, while other risk factors include medical conditions, sleep problems and a lack of physical activity.
• Functional status: The clinician assesses your ability to carry out activities of daily living. These range from basic self-care functions such as eating, bathing and dressing to the tasks necessary to living independently like grocery shopping and cooking.
• Balance and mobility: Did you know 1 in 4 older adults in the US fall each year? Analysis of your balance, walking speed and whether you use a mobility aid can determine your risk.
• Communication: Another key component of a comprehensive geriatric assessment is an evaluation of your vision, hearing and speech. Hearing loss, for example, can lead to depression as communication becomes increasingly difficult. Yet it takes Americans on average seven years to seek treatment.
• Nutrition: Weight loss can be accompanied by a reduction in muscle mass, which can affect your ability to manage the activities of daily living. Obesity also impacts your ability to perform these tasks and increases your risk of and impact of chronic conditions like hypertension.
• Social support: The assessor will assess the strength of your support network. Do you live by yourself or with others? Who is available to help you should you fall ill?
• Medication review: Do you take medications prescribed by multiple healthcare providers (known as polypharmacy)? The clinician typically asks you to bring all your prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to your appointment, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements to assess the potential for adverse drug interactions.

Additionally, the assessment may consider any financial concerns you have and your preferences for long-term care when you need it.

How Can a Geriatric Evaluation Help You?

The primary goal of a geriatric evaluation is to improve your quality of life. For example, early diagnosis of dementia gives you the ability to make decisions about your future care. By reviewing all of your medications, the clinician can help you avoid adverse drug interactions. And if a doctor identifies a problem such as malnourishment or obesity, they can help you take steps to achieve a healthy weight and a balanced diet.

Ultimately, this multidisciplinary assessment is a tool that helps you and your medical providers create a coordinated plan for your current and future care.

Who Carries Out the Assessment?

This type of assessment is provided by a multidisciplinary team. A clinician, nurse and social worker will lead your assessment. Other professionals such as dieticians, dentists and audiologists may also participate.

If you live in New Jersey, Fellowship Medical Group offers geriatric assessments at our practices in Basking Ridge and Denville. Specializing in geriatric and primary care, our team serves adults of all ages in the surrounding areas as well as residents of our Life Plan Communities. Book an appointment today for a personalized and proactive approach to your health.