An important resource for seniors and their caregivers.

The Gertiatric Assessment Program team can help you better understand, adjust to and embrace the physical and mental changes associated with aging.

For more information, call 302-477-3300.

Aging is a natural part of life to be respected and celebrated. Yet, with it comes many new challenges—physical and emotional—impacting seniors and their caregivers.

If you are over 65, or are caring for someone who is over 65, Christiana Care’s Outpatient Geriatric Assessment Program is an important resource for you. Based on information we gather from thorough evaluations, our uniquely qualified, board-certified geriatrician (a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine) and geriatric team can help you better understand, adjust to and embrace the physical and mental changes associated with aging.

Our in-depth Geriatric Assessment gives doctors an overall picture of a senior’s health status, including his or her:

• Physical condition.
• Psychological assessment – including memory loss and depression.
• Social well-being – including support networks for those  who live alone.

Our comprehensive physical assessment includes:

• Detailed review of all medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, to assess possible side-effects or drug interactions that could contribute to the challenges of aging.
• Eye exam.
• Hearing assessment with referral toa full audiological evaluation, when appropriate.

Aging impacts more than just the body
Along with performing a thorough physical examination, our geriatric specialists will spend a significant amount of time —often as many as two to three hours—to get to know the senior patient and make recommendations regarding support services, such as home nursing care, meal delivery, personal and household services, or even assisted living, that may ease some of the challenges of aging, particularly for seniors who live alone.

As part of the assessment, our geriatric physician may recommend a home visit to evaluate safety issues – particularly fall hazards and nutritional needs. They will take the time to thoroughly discuss options for support services, assisted living, long-term care and decisions regarding nursing home care.

What about Alzheimer’s care?
About 80 percent of the seniors we see for geriatric assessments have serious memory problems, or dementia. Approximately 70 to 75 percent of all dementias are Alzheimer’s cases. Christiana Care’s geriatric specialists are trained to recognize and evaluate memory disorders and recommend appropriate medical and support services throughout the community.

Care for the caregiver, too
The challenges of aging affect those who care for seniors, too. In fact, many caregivers, themselves, develop physical problems because of the stress they are under while taking care of their loved ones. If caring for a senior is taking its toll on you, please call us today to learn about resources available to help you.

Time to ask questions
One of the things seniors and their caregivers appreciate most about our Geriatric Assessment Program is the opportunity to spend time with the doctor asking questions and discussing any number of issues relating to aging. Christiana Care’s geriatric team believes that communication is key to helping all involved learn about and appropriately address any challenges affecting the senior patient.

Keeping your doctor informed
Christiana Care’s Outpatient Geriatric Assessment Program is not intended to replace the senior’s relationship with his or her primary care physician. Instead, it is a service to enhance the care already being provided. To ensure continuity of care and open communication, Christiana Care’s geriatric specialists will provide a complete report of the physical and psychosocial assessment to the senior’s primary care physician. Together, the primary care physician and geriatric physician will consult on recommended approaches to addressing the senior’s aging challenges.

Medicare coverage
Christiana Care’s Outpatient Geriatric Assessment Program is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. No referral is required.

How to reach us
Christiana Care’s Outpatient Geriatric Assessments are performed at Christiana Care’s Foulk Road Family Medicine Center, 1401 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware (across from Brandywine High School).

For more information, or to make an appointment for a Geriatric Assessment, call 302-477-3300.