There are so many aspects of getting older that your elderly loved one has to deal with.

They may experience some hearing, vision, or memory loss. They may have chronic health issues or health issues that seem to come up out of nowhere. With all of this, your elderly loved one might need a geriatric care assessment. This type of assessment can help to determine what treatment is needed for your loved one. It can also help to create a follow-up care plan for them in regard to their medical or personal needs.

Functional Abilities

One of the reasons why your elderly loved one might need a geriatric care assessment is to assess their functional abilities. The first thing that will be looked at is your elderly loved one’s activities of daily living. This includes things such as using the bathroom, getting dressed, controlling their bowels and bladder, bathing, and eating. You or one of the caregivers might need to be present for this assessment to tell the doctor which areas your elderly loved one needs help with. Other abilities that will be assessed include managing medications, preparing meals, managing finances, and handling the home cleaning tasks.

Nutrition

Another aspect of your elderly loved one’s life that will be looked at in a geriatric care assessment is their nutrition or diet. Many elderly people experience loss of appetite for one reason or another. Other elderly people will not be able to eat well because they can’t chew or swallow properly. There are numerous reasons for nutritional issues in the elderly. If you or one of the caregivers suspect that your elderly loved one is having these types of issues, they might benefit from a geriatric care assessment.

Physical Health

Does your elderly loved one have any physical health issues? Maybe they are experiencing stomach pains or muscle spasms. They might be experiencing pain in their joints or inflammation in their body. Sometimes, physical health issues in the elderly, need to be looked at from another perspective. This is where a geriatric care assessment can come in handy. For example, with this assessment, the doctor can determine if your elderly loved one needs someone in their home helping them to move around easier. Your elderly loved one might also need someone to take them to doctor’s appointments regularly to manage their physical health issues.

Conclusion

These are some of the reasons why your elderly loved one might need a geriatric care assessment. If you or one of your loved one’s caregivers believe there is a need for this type of assessment, you can reach out to their doctor to find out how to get this scheduled.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Elder Care in Gainesville, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in Flowery Branch, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

Sources

https://www.aafp.org/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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