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Members of Hartford Hospital's Department of Geriatric Medicine
L-R: Dr. Karen Magnuson, Dr. Mary King, Dr. Robert Dicks (Director),
and Dr. Wilfred Elaba |
Geriatric Evaluation (Assessment) and Management
Geriatric Evaluation (Assessment) and Management (GEM) is a comprehensive approach to
the complex problems of aging.
It begins with a thorough assessment to identify and characterize medical and
functional problems, and identify where the individual is at risk (elements
listed below). Strengths as well as problems are assessed, frailties are
identified, and baselines are established. Supports (caregivers) and resources
are assessed when appropriate.
A comprehensive management plan is then devised that aggressively treats and
attempts to resolve reversible conditions, manages chronic diseases, corrects or
stabilizes functional problems, addresses support/caregiving issues, and focuses
on future prevention and fitness (management goals listed below). This
frequently requires specialty case management assistance.
The goal is optimal health and quality of life. Because of the complex nature
of the geriatric condition, GEM is often performed by multidisciplinary teams of
geriatric specialists (team listed below).
Many people over the age of 65 can benefit from a comprehensive geriatric
evaluation. Ask your physician if a geriatric assessment might be helpful for
you or your loved one. Your physician may conduct the assessment or they may
prefer to send you to geriatric specialists such as those affiliated with
Hartford Hospital. These geriatric specialists can work in consultation with
your primary physician.
Assessment
Key Elements:
• History & Physical -
Comprehensive
• Functional Assessment:
- Physical - Gait, strength, flexibility, balance
- Sensory - Vision, hearing, smell and taste
- Cognitive - Memory, problem solving
- Affective - Mood,
- Socioeconomic – Activities and supports, financial
resources
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Management
Key Targets:
- Memory disorders, dementia
- Frailty, weight loss, “failure to thrive”
- Gait and balance disorders, falls
- Medication management
- Geriatric/High-risk Case management
- Prevention – osteoporosis, functional decline
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Team
Key Members:
- Geriatric Physicians
- Geriatric Advance Practice Nurses
- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
- Geriatric Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners
- Geriatric Social Workers
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Outpatient Geriatric Assessment and Primary Care Locations:
HARTFORD HOSPITAL
Senior Health Services
Geriatric Medicine Specialists
HOSPITAL CAMPUS
80 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT 06102
860.545.7043
www.harthosp.org
HARTFORD HOSPITAL
Senior Health Services
Geriatric Medicine/Senior Health Services
DUNCASTER CAMPUS
40 Loeffler Road
Bloomfield, CT 06022
860.380.5150
www.duncaster.org
McLEAN HEALTH CENTER
75 Great Pond Road
Simsbury, CT 06070
860.658.3957
www.mcleancare.org
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