Seniors clinic hones in on unique needs

By Gillian Slade on February 3, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

A clinic at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital addresses the unique needs of seniors, and while it is not new, it is now located in the new ambulatory care wing.

While most referrals — about 80 per cent — relate to cognitive challenges and dementia, there are also those experiencing falls, says MHRH geriatrician Dr. Cesar Rodriguez. A full medication review is sometimes required, or there are multiple medical issues the patient is dealing with.

Patients are referred to the seniors clinic by a family physician or through Home Care, he explained. The request is often triggered by family members concerned for the person’s safety.

There are two registered nurses in the seniors clinic to initially talk to the patient and their family. They also do a home assessment and some memory testing before an appointment is set up with Rodriguez.

It is preferable for the patient to be accompanied by a family member because the patient’s perspective may be different from that of the family member, said Rodriguez. The patient may also not recognize the issues.

The appointment includes a physical examination and memory tests ahead of discussion on results and a diagnosis made. The discussion will include a prognosis, possible treatment options and available supports. Medications may sometimes be contributing to the symptoms a patient is experiencing.

A senior may try on occasion to give the impression of everything being fine and that they are managing well on their own. This may be motivated by concerns of a perceived loss of independence if it is determined they would benefit from assisted living in a seniors’ residence.

In contrast, the person may experience an improvement in their symptoms once they are living with additional supports, such as three prepared meals a day and someone prompting them to take prescribed medication at the correct time, said Rodriguez.

Seniors — 65 and older — make up nearly 20 per cent of the population according to the 2016 federal census, but patients Rodriguez sees can be younger if they have cognitive issues. Rodriguez sees about 20 new patients at the seniors clinic every month.

Ideally we need one more geriatrician in Medicine Hat, said Rodriguez.

If you are interested in a referral to the seniors clinic for yourself or a loved one, Rodriguez suggests you speak to your family physician. You can also enquire about the geriatric assessment team at the hospital.

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