Frailty is a state where a person has lost their reserve and is very vulnerable to a significant change in health from even a small insult, like a urine infection or adverse drug reaction. Frailty is the result of lots of small changes over time.
Cognitive assessment analyses one’s memory & thinking. If a decline in memory is noticed, it is important that this is reviewed. Sometimes the causes are reversible, like depression or certain medications contributing to cognitive change.
Functional decline occurs when someone is no longer able to do their day to day activities as they could a short time ago. While possibly the result of an overall decline, it is important to rule out medical, nutritional and psychiatric causes.
Dementia occurs when a person’s memory and thinking have deteriorated such that they can no longer function in daily life. Caused by a variety of diseases, there is no cure but sometimes there are treatments to help manage the symptoms and it is important to review these patients as their medical management can change over time.
Behavioural & Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia are behaviours people with dementia sometimes exhibit, such as personality changes, aggression, calling out, or even being sexually inappropriate; often nothing like the person was prior to developing the illness. It’s important to approach these behaviours holistically, putting the patient’s dignity first.
A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) looks at an individuals’ medical problems in the wider context of their social, functional and psychological state. This assessment enables the creation of a comprehensive plan for medical management that is tailored to the individual’s goals and values, and therefore can lead to improved quality of life.
Falls are a common and scary occurrence. Usually the result of multiple factors, in a falls assessment we’ll look at medical conditions, medications, cognition & balance to develop an individualised plan.
Incontinence is the loss of control over bladder or bowels. Managing a patient’s incontinence and treating the underlying factors is important as it can make a big difference to their quality of life.
We all want to be in control of our own medical decisions, but there may come a time when you can’t speak for yourself. A detailed advanced care plan will ensure your wishes and values will be respected.