Medically reviewed by Dr. Gary Rogg, MD
As we age, it’s common to experience changes in our health. But when those changes begin affecting daily life, it’s time to take a closer look.
Maybe a loved one has started falling more often. Perhaps they’re forgetting appointments, losing weight or taking a growing list of medications prescribed by different specialists. While each issue may seem unrelated, they can often be connected.
That’s where a comprehensive geriatric assessment can help. Unlike a routine office visit that focuses on a single health concern, a geriatric assessment takes a whole-person approach. It evaluates an older adult’s physical health, cognitive function, mobility, medications, emotional well-being and support system to identify factors that may affect their quality of life.
Who should consider a geriatric assessment?
A geriatric assessment may benefit adults age 65 and older who have multiple health concerns or have experienced recent changes in their physical or cognitive abilities.
You or a loved one may want to ask your primary care provider about a referral if any of the following apply:
● Frequent falls or concerns about balance
● Memory loss, confusion or changes in thinking
● Difficulty managing medications
● Multiple chronic medical conditions
● Trouble with everyday activities such as cooking, bathing or getting dressed
● Recent hospitalization or a noticeable decline in health
● Unexplained weight loss or increasing frailty
● Family or caregiver concerns about safety or independence
Many families assume these issues are simply part of aging. In reality, they may have treatable causes that become apparent during a comprehensive evaluation.
What happens during a geriatric assessment?
Every assessment is tailored to the individual, but it typically includes a review of:
● Current medical conditions and medications
● Memory and cognitive function
● Walking, balance and fall risk
● Strength, mobility and ability to perform daily activities
● Nutrition and weight changes
● Mood, depression or anxiety
● Living situation, caregiver support and personal health goals
Rather than focusing on a single diagnosis, the assessment examines how these factors interact. For example, a fall could be related to medication side effects, poor balance, vision changes or muscle weakness. Memory concerns may stem from medication interactions, depression, hearing loss or another underlying medical condition, not just dementia.
The goal is to identify issues early and develop a care plan that supports independence and improves overall well-being.
How can a geriatric assessment help?
After the evaluation, patients receive personalized recommendations based on their needs.
These may include:
● Medication adjustments to reduce side effects or drug interactions
● Referrals for physical, occupational or speech therapy
● Memory evaluation or additional cognitive testing
● Nutrition counseling
● Fall prevention strategies and home safety recommendations
● Care coordination among specialists
● Information about community resources
By addressing multiple aspects of health at once, geriatric assessments can help older adults remain active, maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.
Geriatric care at WMCHealth
WMCHealth provides comprehensive evaluations designed to help older adults age as safely and independently as possible. Working closely with patients, families and primary care providers, our care teams develop personalized plans that address both medical concerns and quality of life.
Depending on a patient’s needs, that care may include medication management, memory and cognitive evaluations, care coordination and referrals for physical, occupational or speech therapy. When additional support is needed, WMCHealth offers access to rehabilitation services, secure memory care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, adult day programs at select locations, respite care for caregivers, skilled nursing and long-term senior care services throughout the Hudson Valley.
If you or a loved one has noticed changes in memory, mobility, medications or day-to-day functioning, talk with your primary care provider about whether a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be appropriate.
Learn more about WMCHealth’s providers and make an appointment.