Clinical Services
Doctor360
Dementia
Dementia occurs when a person’s memory and thinking have deteriorated such that they can no longer function in daily life. Caused by various diseases, there is no cure but sometimes there are treatments to help manage the symptoms and it is important to review these patients as their medical management can change over time.
B.P.S.D.
Behavioural & Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia are behaviors people with dementia sometimes exhibit, such as personality changes, aggression, calling out, or even being sexually inappropriate; often nothing like the person was prior to developing the illness. It's important to approach these behaviors holistically, putting the patient’s dignity first.
C.G.A.
A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) looks at an individual’s medical problems in the wider context of their social, functional, and psychological state. This assessment fosters the creation of a comprehensive plan for medical management that is tailored to the individual’s goals and values and therefore can lead to improved quality of life.
What is a Geriatrician?
A geriatrician is a specialist medical doctor who has specialized training to meet the distinctive healthcare needs of older adults. Illnesses, diseases, and medications may affect older people in a way different than it affects younger adults, and older patients often have multiple health problems and take multiple medications. Geriatricians help in the prevention, management, and developing care plans that deal with the special health problems of the elderly. Some of the problems managed by us are frailty, dementia, incontinence, falls, and functional decline. To be a registered geriatrician in Australia, it is necessary to do a minimum of seven years of postgraduate training and to be a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
What Do We Do?
TeleGereiatrics Doctor360 is a specialist geriatric medicine practice based in Melbourne, Australia. We offer Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) to people sixty-five years and older who have recently been seen by the Aged Care Assessment Service or who live in residential aged care. We are happy to take other referrals with discussion. CGA has been demonstrated to help optimize health and maintain independence. Some of the problems we commonly manage are frail, falls and osteoporosis, incontinence, memory concerns, and medication-related issues. There doesn't need to be a particular concern, it can even be just that you feel you or your loved one is slowing down a little.
At TeleGereiatrics Doctor360 we are focused on helping you live well today to age well for tomorrow. We feel that it is important to take a holistic approach to well-being in older age and that it is important to always focus first on the individual and his or her values, rather than his or her medical conditions. Our main focus is on living well, as specified by each individual, whether this is maintaining independence, preventative medicine, or managing life with memory impairment. We visit you in your home to take away the difficulty of visiting a doctor and to better understand you and what is important in your life. We can also work with you to undertake advanced care planning for your future medical needs.
What is a CGA?
A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) looks at individuals’ medical problems in the wider context of their social, functional, and psychological state. This assessment fosters the creation of a comprehensive plan for medical management that is tailored to the individual’s goals and values and therefore can lead to improved quality of life.
Why is it Important?
For Patients
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment has reduced the mortality and improves functional outcomes for older adults (65+) who are the residents of community living arrangements. Many geriatric conditions are related to one another, and so memory concerns, functional decline, falls, or patient or family concerns are all potential triggers for a CGA.
For Patient's Family & Friends
It can be very stressful to see your loved relative dealing with some of the conditions that are associated with aging, like memory loss and loss of independence. Friends and family have a unique role in being an advocate for their loved ones. As people age, their goals and priorities change, and there is a stronger focus on getting the most out of each and every day. We are able to work with you and your loved one to develop a comprehensive medical plan that is tailored to the values of your loved ones.
For GPs and Aged-Care Managers
Much of the evidence for certain medical treatments and medications come from trials which include people of all ages, who are usually in excellent health. Since we are geriatricians, we have expertise in most favorable medical management for feeble older adults. Owing to this, we can develop an individually tailored medical plan that takes into account the individual patient’s comorbidities, level of frailty, and personal values. We are also able to take the time to liaise with the patient’s family or carers to ensure that everyone’s concerns have been addressed.
For the wider community
We are an aging population that needs more attention. The appropriate planning that results from a CGA means hospital resources are used only when they are required, therefore helping create a more structured health system.
What is the Cost?
If you are aged 65 or more, the standard consultation fee is completely funded by the Medicare rebate. If you are under 65, you will be charged the full fee, but will still be eligible for a proportion of the money to be refunded through Medicare.
How Do I Proceed?
For more information please go through the Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have questions you can reach us via our CONTACT page. And if you are considering this service for yourself, please note you'll need to discuss it with your GP to obtain a referral.
