Mission

Opened in 1998, the Drs. Charlotte & David Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic is a comprehensive evaluation and management program that provides specialized services to older adults, their families and other professionals.

Our outpatient program exists to address common, but often complex, medical issues in older adults, especially memory loss. Our expert team provides patients and their families with individualized needs assessments and ongoing management to help optimize quality of life.

What is a Geriatric Assessment?

The purpose of a geriatric evaluation is to review an individual’s cognitive, psychological, social, medical, functional and caregiver status. An effective evaluation uses a collaborative team approach. Our assessments are conducted by a board-certified geriatrician (a physician who specializes in the care of older adults) and an advanced practice nurse who is board-certified in gerontology and care management.

The goal of an evaluation is to help the patient and his or her family make appropriate short- and long-term healthcare decisions. Professional recommendations by the team assist in maximizing the patient’s safety, function of daily living and quality of life. Ultimately, these recommendations may enable the older adult to remain safely in his or her home for as long as possible.

Who Benefits from a Geriatric Assessment?

Those who benefit most from an evaluation are older adults with specific concerns like memory loss, mobility issues, repeated falls, medication management, depression, chronic health ailments, or those who are unable to make safe or wise decisions in their current living environment.

When changes take place in an older adult’s functional capabilities, or if there are concerns about his or her ability to manage independently, an evaluation is a positive way to help identify the issues at hand and develop of a plan. These functional changes may involve one or more of the following everyday tasks:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Eating
• Toileting
• Walking
• Remembering to take medications
• Preparing meals
• Housekeeping chores
• Shopping and running errands
• Driving and transportation
• Paying Bills

Patients, families and caregivers can use the information gained through an evaluation to make the most informed decisions about the appropriate use of community services and residential options. This may also be a suitable time to contact one of Waveny Care Center’s Geriatric Care Managers to facilitate the implementation of an individualized care plan.

After the Evaluation

Following the initial evaluation, a conference is held with the patient, family and/or caregivers to discuss the team’s observations, recommendations and suggestions. Family members, caregivers and others are encouraged to provide input during the evaluation conference process.

A written assessment is then developed and includes recommendations for care that can be shared with the patient’s primary care physician. An individualized referral process completes the evaluation. Optional care management and follow-up monitoring are available if desired.

Role of Primary Care Physician

The Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic does not replace the need for a primary care physician. Rather, the Clinic will collaborate with the primary care physician and other professionals to best address patient and family care needs.

Services We Provide

• Comprehensive medical geriatric evaluation
• Development of personalized care recommendations
• Liaison with family, caregivers and primary care physician
• Information and referral source

Geriatric Evaluation Highlights

• Baseline evaluation
• Strengths identification
• Needs determination
• Reports for family, caregivers and primary care physician
• Specific recommendations to help develop a customized care plan

Available to Everyone

The Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic is dedicated to serving individuals from all areas. The program can accommodate evaluations for older adults living at home, in independent living programs, assisted living settings, life care facilities or nursing homes.

Fees

The cost of the program is partially covered by Medicare, and the balance is the patient’s responsibility. Patients may be eligible to receive financial assistance from Waveny Care Network.

Making an Appointment

To make an appointment, or to receive additional information, simply call 203.594.5200 and ask for the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic.