What Is Geriatric Assessment?
Comprehensive geriatric assessment evaluates older adults across multiple domains to guide care planning. Understanding this thorough evaluation helps seniors and families access this valuable approach to elder care.
What Geriatric Assessment Is
Comprehensive geriatric assessment is a multidimensional evaluation of an older adult’s medical, functional, psychological, and social circumstances. It goes far beyond standard medical evaluation to understand the whole person.
CGA is performed by geriatric specialists or multidisciplinary teams. Geriatricians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and therapists may participate. The comprehensive approach requires multiple perspectives.
The goal is developing coordinated care plans addressing all identified needs. Assessment without action is not useful. CGA leads to specific recommendations and interventions.
Domains Assessed
Medical assessment reviews all diagnoses, medications, and treatments. Polypharmacy is evaluated. Underdiagnosed conditions are sought. Medical complexity is understood in full context.
Functional assessment evaluates ability to perform daily activities. Basic ADLs like bathing and dressing are assessed. Instrumental ADLs like cooking and managing finances are evaluated. Mobility and fall risk are examined.
Cognitive assessment screens for dementia and other cognitive impairment. Validated screening tools identify problems requiring further evaluation. Cognitive status affects all other care planning.
Psychological assessment evaluates mood, particularly depression and anxiety. Mental health significantly affects physical health and function. Untreated depression is common in seniors.
Social assessment examines living situation, support systems, and caregiver availability. Financial resources, transportation access, and community connections are considered. Social factors affect health outcomes.
Nutritional assessment identifies malnutrition and nutritional risks. Weight changes, eating difficulties, and dietary adequacy are evaluated.
Benefits of Geriatric Assessment
Identification of previously unknown problems is common. CGA frequently uncovers depression, cognitive impairment, fall risk, and medication problems that were not recognized.
Improved function results from targeted interventions. Addressing identified problems through rehabilitation, medication changes, and services improves daily function.
Reduced hospitalizations and nursing home placement follow comprehensive assessment and management. Proactive care prevents crises.
Better care coordination results from comprehensive evaluation. With full understanding, care can be coordinated across all needs.
When CGA Is Valuable
Complex medical situations with multiple conditions and medications benefit from comprehensive review. Those with functional decline, falls, or cognitive changes are appropriate candidates. Major care transitions warrant assessment.
Getting Geriatric Assessment
All Seniors Foundation provides comprehensive assessments as part of home health services. Understanding all dimensions of health guides appropriate care. Contact us for comprehensive evaluation and care planning.
