As people advance in age, it’s important to strike a balance between
respecting their autonomy and offering the right kind of assistance to
help them maintain their independence. At Casa Colina, we understand what
a complex task this can be. That is why we created the Senior Evaluation
Program. Our program offers a thorough, compassionate way to support senior
health and to determine the most appropriate level of assistance required
by a person advancing in age.
We Take a Multidisciplinary Approach to Caring for the Aging
Our innovative outpatient program combines a physician-led team of geriatric
clinical specialists in one convenient setting. The first appointment
involves a pre-screening evaluation with a physical medicine and rehabilitation
physician, who will determine appropriateness for admission into the program.
A board-certified geriatrician then provides a comprehensive and thorough
evaluation.
Together, these clinicians direct the care team that next conducts a series
of on-site evaluations and screenings designed to identify issues of concern.
The team then offers strategies to improve and maintain the highest-possible
level of function for the patient. This assessment period requires a series
of four to six visits to Casa Colina’s Outpatient Center and focuses
on the following areas: functional ability, physical health, psychological
health, and socio-environmental health.
Based on the results, the care team will offer objective recommendations
in the best interest of the patient’s overall health and quality of life.
Our team of clinical specialists includes:
Neuropsychologist
Radiologist for diagnostic imaging
Laboratory
Audiologist
Case manager/social worker
Other clinicians as required
Physician who is board-certified in both geriatric and family medicine
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
Occupational therapist certified in low vision rehabilitation
Physician who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation
(physiatrist)
Who will benefit from the Senior Evaluation Program?
Individuals with mild to moderate impairments will benefit from our comprehensive
approach to geriatric screening and intervention. The program helps to
identify and manage issues often associated with aging.
The Senior Evaluation Program is recommended for patients who have (or had):
Change in mobility
Decline in memory/cognitive issues
Changes in behavior or mental status
Stroke or brain injury
Weakness, unstable gait or balance, or frequent falls
Decrease in ability to function independently
Cardiac disease
Pulmonary issues
Eating or swallowing difficulties
Wounds that will not heal
Deconditioning
Dressing, grooming, or bathing difficulties
Hearing or vision problems
Incontinence
Arthritis
Congenital disorders
Orthopedic problems that include fracture of the femur or dislocation of the hip
Neurological diseases
Our Goal is to Help Improve the Patient’s Quality of Life Both Now
and in the Future
After a complete assessment, our clinical team meets with the patient,
patient’s family, and caregivers to discuss the results of the evaluation
and develop a recommended plan of care. Tools and resources are provided
to help keep the patient as functional and safe as possible. We may recommend
that the patient return home with the support of outpatient rehabilitation
and the assistance of family members/caregivers. We may also suggest follow-up
with home health care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. In every
instance, we strive to determine the most appropriate level of care so
that patients and their families feel reassured about their decisions
and plans for the future.
Completion of the Senior Evaluation Program will enable patients to benefit from:
Improved quality of life
Fewer fractures and injuries
Decreased risk of drug interactions (overuse and misuse)
Enhanced understanding and management of chronic disease
Minimized functional decline
Added convenience with a "one-stop" comprehensive assessment
Our services may include:
Gait and balance testing
Swallowing assessment
Home evaluation
Driving assessment (additional fee)
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy evaluation
Social work/case management assessment and intervention
Emotional support for patients and their families
Additional resources to keep the patient as functional as possible
We Collaborate with Primary Care Physicians
The Senior Evaluation Program team works with primary care physicians to
help improve or maintain function in their patients. We welcome referring
physicians to participate in the assessment process and will provide them
with the results of our evaluation and recommended plan of care.
Medicare covers the Senior Evaluation Program for appropriate patients.
We also accept most preferred insurance providers.
