Geriatric Evaluation

Definition

Geriatric Evaluation refers to a comprehensive assessment of an older individual’s overall health and well-being, often performed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This evaluation identifies physical, mental, emotional, and social factors affecting the person’s daily functioning and quality of life, and helps create tailored care plans. In the context of VA benefits, it enables veterans and their families to access appropriate services and support for their specific needs.

Key Takeaways

1. A Geriatric Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of a veteran’s physical, cognitive, and social abilities, aimed at identifying and addressing specific health concerns associated with aging.
2. It is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to provide personalized and coordinated care for the veteran.
3. Based on the evaluation, the team creates a tailored care plan to help the veteran maintain their independence and quality of life, while addressing any identified health concerns.

Importance

The term “Geriatric Evaluation” is important in the context of VA benefits because it refers to a comprehensive assessment of an aging veteran’s physical, mental, and socio-environmental needs.

This evaluation is crucial for determining the most appropriate healthcare and support services, such as medical treatments, rehabilitation, long-term care, and financial assistance.

By identifying potential health issues and functional limitations early, geriatric evaluations help improve the overall wellbeing and quality of life for aging veterans, ensuring that they receive personalized care tailored to their unique requirements.

Explanation

The purpose of a Geriatric Evaluation is to assess and address the unique health care needs of older veterans, providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to their medical, functional, and psychosocial well-being. As the aging veteran population faces a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, this assessment becomes an essential tool in optimizing their overall health and quality of life.

The evaluation takes into consideration various factors that may affect their well-being, including age-related medical conditions, polypharmacy, cognitive decline, and social support networks, among others. By identifying areas of concern, a Geriatric Evaluation enables health care providers to create personalized and tailored care plans for the veteran, ensuring that their needs are met and enhancing their daily living experience.

Furthermore, Geriatric Evaluations are used to assist in the appropriate allocation of resources and services for aging veterans. The process evaluates the necessity of home care, long-term care, rehabilitation services, and caregiver support, guiding veterans and their families in making informed decisions about their future care needs.

This comprehensive assessment not only assists in identifying and addressing the unique health concerns of each individual, but also promotes increased autonomy and independence for veterans as they navigate the complexities of aging. By offering personalized care plans and supporting families in the decision-making process, Geriatric Evaluations play a pivotal role in empowering the aging veteran population to maintain their health, dignity, and quality of life.

Examples of Geriatric Evaluation

A Geriatric Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an older person’s functional ability, physical health, cognitive abilities, medications, and social circumstances. This evaluation helps in determining appropriate forms of assistance and developing a suitable care plan for elderly veterans. Here are three real-world examples related to the VA Benefits term “Geriatric Evaluation”:

Home-based Geriatric Evaluation: In this scenario, a healthcare professional or geriatric care manager visits an elderly veteran at their home to assess their living conditions, physical and cognitive health, daily routines, and nutrition. The evaluation includes reviewing the veteran’s medical history, medications, safety concerns, and care needs. Following the assessment, recommendations for appropriate services and support systems are made, such as home adaptations, in-home care services, or referrals to specialists.

Geriatric Evaluation at a VA Medical Center: Some VA Medical Centers offer specialized geriatric care through Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) services. Elderly veterans are assessed by a team of healthcare professionals, including geriatricians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists, to identify their unique care needs. After a thorough evaluation, a personalized care plan is developed to help the veteran maintain their independence, manage their health conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.

Geriatric Evaluation during an inpatient hospital stay: In this example, an elderly veteran is admitted to a hospital for medical treatment unrelated to the aging process. During their stay, a geriatric evaluation is conducted by a team of healthcare professionals to assess the overall health and well-being of the patient considering their age, cognition, and functional abilities. The assessment identifies underlying issues and potential risks, such as polypharmacy, cognitive decline, or increased risk of falls. Based on the evaluation, appropriate interventions, care plans, and follow-up care are established to support the veteran’s recovery.

FAQ for Geriatric Evaluation VA Benefits

What is Geriatric Evaluation?

A Geriatric Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an older adult’s physical, cognitive, and social health. It helps in determining appropriate care and intervention, including services and benefits offered by the VA, to enhance the quality of life for the senior veteran.

Who is eligible for Geriatric Evaluation VA benefits?

Former service members with a VA-rated service-connected disability, those receiving VA pension, or those who need extensive help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) due to aging are eligible for geriatric evaluation benefits from the VA.

What services are offered by the VA under Geriatric Evaluation?

The VA provides various services under Geriatric Evaluation, including comprehensive memory and cognitive assessments, mental health evaluations, functional decline evaluations, medication reviews, and personalized care planning in collaboration with the veteran’s primary care team.

How can I apply for Geriatric Evaluation VA benefits?

Veterans can consult their primary care provider, visit their local VA medical center, or call the VA general information hotline at 1-800-827-1000 to get more information about the Geriatric Evaluation program and initiate the application process.

Does VA offer any other benefits for older veterans?

Yes, in addition to Geriatric Evaluation, the VA offers various benefits and services for older veterans, such as Geriatric and Extended Care (GEC) services, Home-Based Primary Care, Adult Day Health Care, Home Health Aides, and more, tailored to meet the unique needs of the aging population.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Functional Assessment
• Physical Examination
• Cognitive Evaluation
• Medical History Review
• Patient-Centered Care Plan

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• My HealtheVet
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
• Eldercare Locator