Ill-health in older adults may present differently from that in younger adults and potentially serious underlying illness may be erroneously attributed to aging in the older adult. Thus a different approach to medical care in the older adult is needed. Outpatient review of older adults by a geriatric medicine practitioner has been shown to be cost effective, improve the quality of care provided and several patient-related outcomes. It can also prevent recurrent inpatient admissions.
Geriatirics at Mediclinic City Hospital is an assessment, treatment and preventative clinic dedicated to the management of the unique health issues of older adults (65 years and over). It is led by Dr Toba Elegbe, MBBS;FWACP;FACP;FRCP(London), who is dually certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) and who has the relevant skills in the evaluation of older adults.
Who is it for?
The clinic is especially suitable for older adults having one or more of the following health or health-related issues:
- Chronic, multiple or complex medical problems
- Recurrent hospital admissions
- Multiple medications and experiencing side effects
- Recent-onset dependency (a reversible cause may be found)
- History of hip or vertebral (spine) fractures
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Behavioural changes such as confusion or memory loss
- Unexplained falls, and gait and balance problems
- De-conditioning from acute or other illness
- Non-specific ill-health
- Nutritional issues including unexplained weight loss and vitamin deficiencies
- Bowel or bladder problem
The clinic also offers comprehensive geriatric assessment, dementia and osteoporosis screening and management, stroke risk assessment and modification, frailty prevention and management, medication rationalisation and review, advice on immunisation in the older adults and provision of other preventative and wellness services.
What to expect:
During the visit, your medical, functional, mental and social history will be thoroughly reviewed and a physical examination carried out by a consultant skilled in the evaluation of older adults. Based on the findings, treatment plan will be suggested. This may include immediate treatment of any detected health problems, optimisation of existing medical conditions, medication review, optimisation of functional status and advice on wellness, and ill-health prevention. It may also involve blood tests, x-rays, scans and referral to other healthcare professionals (such as physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, podiatrist and other specialists) for additional assessment and treatment for optimal health and functioning. A follow up review may also be necessary.
What to bring for the visit:
- Medications currently being taken including over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal medicines.
- Details of any medication or other allergies.
- Medical reports/details of past illnesses and surgeries.
- Lab, x-ray and scan results done in other health facilities.
Who should accompany you?
Family members, friends or carers.
Who can refer?
Self referral, referral from doctors, other healthcare professionals, family members, carers or friends concerned about the well being of an older adult.
