Aged Care
Advances in medicine and technology have increased the average life expectancy of the general population. As a result, about a quarter of the population are now 65 years of age or older.
Geriatric medicine is the specialised approach to providing primary healthcare to elderly individuals. There are several factors, which highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing the health issues that typically increase with age.
At our clinic we can help in the management of chronic diseases and functional problems including:
- Aged Care Health Assessments
- Chronic Disease Health Care Plans
- Heart Checks
- Vascular Assessments (Doppler Study)
- Home Safety
- Annual Check Ups & Flu Vax
- Arthritis/Osteoporosis Care
Aged Care Health Assessments
Annual health checks are recommended. These assessments comprise a physical, mental and functional evaluation and relate to normal daily activities.
Assessment and identification of any depression or memory impairment is also part of a regular Aged Care health assessment.
Assessment and identification of any depression or memory impairment is also part of a regular Aged Care health assessment.
Aged Care Health Assessment Includes
- Nutrition and Diet
- Pain and Physical Function
- Respiratory and Sleep
- Cardiovascular
- Skin
- Continence
- Memory status
- Medication review
Often elderly patients are taking multiple drug therapies, this can make the elderly more susceptible to adverse drug reactions.
Chronic Disease Health Care Plans
A care plan will be recommended where a patient presents with a chronic medical condition.That is a medical condition that has persisted for at least 6 months.
How do Care Plans Work?
- Identifies your health care needs
- Sets out the services your we will provide, and
- Lists what you need to do
Heart Checks
Heart disease is common in middle aged and elderly patients, at our clinic we encourage heart checks as part of your health management.
Further Tests for Heart Disease
Where there are indications of heart disease we may recommend one of the following cardiac diagnostic processes:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitoring
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Vascular Assessments
Older patients are advised to have regular assessments for vascular disease. Where a condition exists our doctors can guide you through your various management options.
Further Tests for Heart Disease
Where there are indications of vascular disease we may recommend one of the following diagnostic examinations:
- Hand held Doppler
- Duplex ultrasound
- Intra-arterial Angiogram
- Magnetic resonance angiography
- CT (computed tomography) angiography
Home Safety
Home safety for the elderly can be managed, below are some recommendations.
Home Safety Review
- Keep emergency numbers handy
- Prevent falls - talk to us about having a special falls risk assessment.
- Protect against fire and related dangers
- Avoid bathroom hazards
- Protect against abuse
Home Medication Review
- Keep all medications in their original containers so you don't mix up medicines.
- Ask your pharmacist to put large-print labels on your medications to make them easier to read.
- Take your medications in a well-lit room, so you can see the labels.
- Bring all of your pill bottles with you to your healthcare provider's appointments so they can look at them and make sure you are taking them correctly.
Annual Check Ups and Flu Vax
As part of your general health we recommend annual visits for general checks. We also strongly recommending annual check ups for:
- Influenza Vaccination
- Skin Checks
- Blood Pressure and
- Medication
Arthritis/Osteoporosis Care
Arthritis is a debilitating chronic condition that is very common in elderly patients.
Our doctors keep up to date with the latest developments of the condition including providing:
Our doctors keep up to date with the latest developments of the condition including providing:
- Advice for coping with fatigue and flares
- Latest treatments available (surgical and medical)
- Medications
- Self-management techniques
- Complementary therapies