Assessment by a geriatrician in hospital

A hospital doctor for older people looks beyond a single illness. They also assess medicines, memory, mood, movement, nutrition, independence and the home situation. A coordinated treatment plan follows.

• Being less able to walk, get up, wash, dress, cook or take medicines independently.
• Falls, unsteady walking, muscle weakness, dizziness or loss of fitness.
• Bring an up-to-date list or the packaging of all medicines, vitamins and supplements.
• Write down which tasks at home have become harder and when the changes started.
• Make an appointment for a gradual decline in walking, memory, eating, weight or independent functioning.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.