[ Browse by Service Category : Topics Related to Geriatric Psychiatry (10) ]
Geriatric Assessment
Programs, generally staffed by an interdisciplinary team comprising a geriatrician, a nurse, a social worker and a pharmacist, that evaluate the functional ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health and socioenvironmental situation of older adults, particular those who are frail or chronically ill, to identify health-related problems, develop plans for treatment and follow-up, coordinate care, determine the need for long-term care, and ensure the optimal use of health care resources. Beneficial outcomes may include greater diagnostic accuracy, improved functional and mental status, reduced mortality, decreased use of nursing facilities and acute care hospitals and increased satisfaction with care.
Geriatric Medicine
Programs that are staffed by specialists who provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for elderly individuals who have diseases or conditions that are associated with the aging process. Special assistance may include recognizing altered presentations of illnesses, dealing with multisystem organ involvement, handling special drug interactions, utilizing resources such as nursing homes and community social services, and assisting with ethical issues in the care of people who are elderly.
Geriatric Counselling
Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for older adults who are having mental, emotional or social adjustment problems that have arisen as a result of the process of aging. Geriatric counselling services are provided primarily by social services professionals including licensed social workers rather that psychiatrists or other medical personnel.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.