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Senior Services at Benedum: Evaluation and Continuing Care Some patients come to Benedum Geriatric Center for medical care, some for psychiatric care, and some for both. During the first visits to the center, patients meet with various members of the treatment team, who help to assess patients’ needs. Assessments A psychiatric evaluation, performed by a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, includes examination of problems such as depression or difficulty thinking or remembering. A social worker talks to the patient and family members to get an understanding of the patient’s social and environmental situation, individual and family background, and how the patient functions at home and in the community. During a nursing assessment, a nurse discusses safety, medication use, and health education with the patient. The nurse also may check the patient’s ability to hear, see, and move. An occupational therapist may be asked to recommend ways that the patient can maximize his or her functioning at home. Postassessment Summary or Planning If a patient is already being cared for by specialists or needs specialty care not provided by Benedum physicians, center staff attempt to coordinate medical care so that the appropriate health professionals are involved and aware of medical concerns. Center staff also provide environmental planning to help maintain the patient’s residence at home for as long as possible; assist in decision making about the community services needed to support independent functioning; consult with referring physicians and other community health care providers; and provide specialized services, such as treatment for incontinence or bladder problems.
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