Functional capacity

• ADLs - bathing, dressing, toileting, maintaining continence, grooming, feeding, transferring

Falls risk assessment

• Patients who have fallen or have a gait or balance problem are at higher risk of having a subsequent fall and losing independence

Cognition

• Incidence of dementia increases with age (particularly >85)
• Perform an MMSE, neuropsychologic testing, test to evaluate medical conditions that may contribute to cognitive impairment (e.g. B12, THS, depression assessment)

Mood

• Depressive illness in the elder population is a health concern leading to unnecessary suffering, impaired functional status, increased mortality
• Depression in elderly adults may present atypically and may be difficult to assess in patients with cognitive impairment

Polypharmacy

• Older persons are often prescribed multiple medications by different health care providers, putting them at increased risk for drug-drug interactions and adverse drug events
• Review the patient’s medications at each visit

Social support

• Determine who would be available to help if they become ill
• Screen caregivers periodically for symptoms of depression or burnout refer for additional caregiver services, counselling or support groups
• Consider elder mistreatment, particularly if patient presents with contusions, burns, bite marks, pressure ulcers, or malnutrition with no clinical explanation

Financial concerns

• Elders may qualify for state or local benefits, depending upon their income