In-Home Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation and Assessment
Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation has been in use since the mid-1980’s. The process was designed to evaluate seniors using a multi-disciplinary group of clinicians (doctor, physical therapist, dietitian, social worker, etc.) who each perform individualized assessments and combine their findings into a single report. The evaluations have typically been performed in hospital-based units or outpatient clinics, which required the senior and their caregivers to travel to the unit, sometimes for multiple visits to be seen by multiple clinicians. And because these units are part of a larger health care organization, the clinicians are usually limited by time constraints set by the organization.
Dr. Oberlender’s Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation is unique:
- Dr. Oberlender personally performs every aspect of the evaluation and personally formulates and writes the final report.
- The entire evaluation takes place in the patient’s home or assisted living facility.
- Dr. Oberlender will take as much time as you and he need to perform a thorough and complete assessment and evaluation. He is a private geriatric consultant and is not bound by any time constraints.
Common reasons seniors and families have requested Dr. Oberlender’s services:
- Memory problems; poor judgment; changes in mood, behavior, or personality; word finding difficulties or other language problems; loss of initiative
- A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia
- Difficult behaviors in a senior with dementia
- Recommendations on reducing the number of prescription drugs
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Falls or problems with balance and gait
- Loss of functional independence
- Guidance on long term care options or the optimal living environment for a frail senior
- Assistance managing advanced stage disease or end of life needs
- Desire for an in-depth and thoughtful second medical opinion from a medical specialist certified and experienced in the care of seniors
Dr. Oberlender’s approach is comprehensive. He will carefully and thoughtfully evaluate the senior’s medical, psycho-social, nutritional, and functional status and critically review all prescription and non-prescription medications and dietary supplements. His recommendations will be detailed and specific and will incorporate the latest medical developments in the care of seniors as well as alternative and complementary treatments as appropriate to each case.
Dr. Oberlender’s services are consultative. His evaluation and recommendations are meant to complement the care you receive from your primary care provider and provide you and your primary care provider with a personalized and detailed expert specialty assessment.
Dr. Oberlender’s final written report will detail his evaluation, assessment, and specific recommendations. The report will be sent directly to the patient’s primary care provider together with a cover letter explaining the goals and purpose of the evaluation process. Dr. Oberlender will also personally present his report to the patient and their family or caregiver and he will take as much time as it takes to explain his findings and recommendations in language that a non-medical person can easily understand.
Consult requests to Dr. Oberlender may be initiated by the senior’s primary care provider or directly from seniors themselves, their family, or their caregivers.