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WHEN
TO REFER TO GERIATRICS?
If a patient
presents with one or more of the following problems:
- Assessment
and evaluation of geriatric problems
- Multiple
or complex medical problems
- Failure
to thrive/ "frail" patient
- Increased
use of healthcare services with no clear cause
Assessment
and evaluation of geriatric problems- top
of page
These problems
may have a recent onset, unexplained etiologies and may be difficult
to manage.
- Falls/impaired
mobility
- recurrent
falls (more than 1 unexplained fall in the past 3 months)
- Polypharmacy
- compliance
concerns
- possible
side effects impacting on health and function
- Delirium/acute
confusion
- recent
unexplained changes in cognitive function
- Dementia
- Depression
-
presentation complicated by concomitant medical problems
-
possible medical side effects of antidepressant therapy
- Decrease
in overall function
-
recent (one year) unexplained loss of function and high
risk of further decline
-
safety concerns
-
may be considering relocation
- Caregiver
stress
-
patient unable to maintain caregiver role
-
caregiver withdrawing assistance
-
potential for neglect/abuse rising due to stress
- Incontinence
Multiple
or complex medical problems- top of page
Multiple
problems interacting in a fashion not addressed by individual
specialists
Failure
to thrive/ "frail" patient- top of page
- Coping
marginally for yet undetermined reasons
- Not
eating well with significant weight loss
- Inadequate
community supports system - the individual is at high risk
to continue living
in current situation despite maximum formal or informal supports
Increased
use of healthcare services with no clear cause- top
of page
- Multiple
hospital admissions or frequent emergency department visits
- Increased
number of family physician visits
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