The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to addressing the unique health care needs of older adults. As people age, they often experience a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that can impact their overall health and well-being. The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is designed to provide older adults with a thorough and individualized assessment of their health status, with the goal of identifying potential health problems early and developing effective strategies for managing them.
Overview of the Geriatric Evaluation Program
The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is led by a team of geriatricians, who are physicians with specialized training in the care of older adults. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care, with a focus on promoting healthy aging and maximizing functional ability. The program includes a thorough medical evaluation, as well as assessments of cognitive and emotional function, social support, and environmental safety. The goal of the program is to identify potential health problems early and develop effective strategies for managing them, with the aim of improving overall health and well-being.
Components of the Geriatric Evaluation
The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health includes a range of components, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health status. These components include:
- A thorough medical history and physical examination
- An assessment of cognitive function, including memory and attention
- An evaluation of emotional function, including mood and mental health
- An assessment of social support, including family and caregiver support
- An evaluation of environmental safety, including home safety and fall risk
- A review of medications and potential medication interactions
- A discussion of advance care planning, including end-of-life care and palliative care
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical History and Physical Examination | A thorough review of medical history, including past illnesses and hospitalizations, as well as a physical examination to identify potential health problems |
| Cognitive Function Assessment | An evaluation of cognitive function, including memory and attention, to identify potential cognitive impairment |
| Emotional Function Evaluation | An assessment of emotional function, including mood and mental health, to identify potential mental health concerns |
| Social Support Assessment | An evaluation of social support, including family and caregiver support, to identify potential social isolation or support needs |
| Environmental Safety Evaluation | An assessment of environmental safety, including home safety and fall risk, to identify potential safety hazards |
Benefits of the Geriatric Evaluation Program
The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health offers a range of benefits for older adults, including:
- Improved health outcomes, through early identification and management of potential health problems
- Enhanced functional ability, through targeted interventions and support
- Increased social support, through connections with family, caregivers, and community resources
- Improved emotional well-being, through addressing mental health concerns and promoting overall well-being
- Increased safety, through assessment and mitigation of environmental hazards
The program is also designed to provide support and guidance for family members and caregivers, who play a critical role in the care and well-being of older adults. By providing education and resources, the program can help family members and caregivers to better support their loved ones and navigate the complex health care system.
Eligibility and Referral
The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is open to older adults who are patients of Yale Health. Referrals to the program can be made by primary care physicians or other health care providers, and individuals can also self-refer to the program. To be eligible for the program, individuals must be 65 years of age or older and have a Yale Health primary care physician.
What is the goal of the Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health?
+The goal of the Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is to provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to care, with a focus on promoting healthy aging and maximizing functional ability. The program aims to identify potential health problems early and develop effective strategies for managing them, with the goal of improving overall health and well-being.
Who is eligible for the Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health?
+The Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health is open to older adults who are patients of Yale Health. To be eligible for the program, individuals must be 65 years of age or older and have a Yale Health primary care physician.
How can I refer myself or a loved one to the Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health?
+Referrals to the Geriatric Evaluation program at Yale Health can be made by primary care physicians or other health care providers, and individuals can also self-refer to the program. To self-refer, individuals can contact the program directly to schedule an appointment.
