Practical Geriatric Asssessment

Geriatric assessment is an integral part of geriatric care throughout the world. The frail elderly often have multiple chronic illnesses, functional disabilities and psychosocial problems, their needs therefore extending far beyond the treatment of a single medical condition. Comprehensive assessment of such patients requires a multidisciplinary team approach and the use of an organized, efficient set of guidelines and procedures with which to identify and address potentially 'reversible' problems. The ultimate goal is then to systematically restore and maintain the functions essential to preserve quality of life. Practical Geriatric Assessment is structured for ease of quick reference. The background to each application of geriatric assessment is given first, and this is then placed in its practical context, thus providing an essential guide to the principles and methods of effective geriatric assessment.