In order to provide optimal care for an aging loved one, a geriatric assessment is essential. The assessment is a multidisciplinary, multidimensional assessment that determines and evaluates a person’s:
- Physical health
- Cognition
- Functional abilities
In its most basic definition, a geriatric assessment determines the capabilities and limitations of an elderly client. Such knowledge helps healthcare professionals to develop adequate treatment, short-term and long-term planning, rehabilitative services, and more.
A typical geriatric assessment may include factors such as:
- Current illnesses, symptoms, and their impact on function
- Current medications
- Recent life changes
- Social and personal functionality
- Living environment
- Family situation
- Cognitive status
- Mobility and balance
- Rehabilitative status
- Emotional health
- Nutritional status
- Disease risk factors
Such assessments enable an interdisciplinary team approach to care, from an individual’s doctors, therapists, and home healthcare professionals to create strategies, treatment, and follow-up for patient progress in home-based care scenarios. Current and past history and information regarding present illnesses are also included in the assessment and evaluation, as are social history, family history, and demographic data.
At OptimumCare Home Care Services, professionals and trained staff also access a nutritional health checklist and dietary assessment. Assessment may also be determined regarding exercise, sleep patterns, recreational activities, substance use, and injury risk of the individual. Each of these bits of information helps determine optimal services to meet the individualized needs of every client.
This information helps determine the level of care that an individual may need in a home-based environment and helps determine the need for adaptive devices, transportation, and preventive interventions that may be required for optimal independence, mobility, and quality of life.
The ability to perform activities of daily living is also considered when processing and evaluating a new client. The number of activities of daily living a client can perform on their own, as well as the number that they cannot, determines what level of caregiver support they may need. This includes a person’s functional ability to prepare food, clean the house, perform chores such as laundry, as well as administer their own medications. Each is an important aspect of our care planning capabilities.
Trained, licensed, and certified nurses ensure that we cover all the bases when it comes to providing home-based care for you or a loved one. Call us today and ask about our assessment and evaluation process, the first step in defining and providing optimal care.
Why Familes Need Geriatric Assessment and Evaluation?
Choosing to complete a geriatric assessment is an important step toward understanding the specific needs of an aging loved one. We use the information from the assessment to build care strategies that support quality of life through home health care in VA. Here’s how our assessment and evaluation services support families and individuals:
- We review physical, mental, and emotional health to see the full picture.
- Early signs of health concerns are identified before they get worse.
- We assess routines and home setups to find practical solutions.
- Families gain a clearer view of what support their loved one truly needs.
- Licensed professionals handle assessments with care and accuracy.
How We Can Help Individuals
Understanding the changing needs of an aging loved one starts with a full picture of their health, lifestyle, and daily abilities. A geriatric assessment provides this clarity. Our team focuses on identifying concerns early and offering guidance that supports both quality of life and long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my loved one needs a geriatric assessment?
Does the geriatric assessment only look at physical health?
What should I expect during a geriatric assessment?
Is a geriatric assessment only for elderly individuals who are seriously ill?
Will the assessment tell me exactly what kind of care my loved one needs?
Get the Support You Need
If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to help. For more information or to discuss available services, please contact us today.
