75 Years and Over Health Assessments
75 Years and Over
A health assessment of a person over 75 years old provides a way of identifying potentially preventable health issues and conditions to improve health and/or quality of life.
What is included in a health assessment?
A health assessment includes looking at a patient’s health, physical, psychological and social function.
- Taking patient’s measurements including; blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen, weight, height and waist
- Collating information including; medications used, involvement of other health professionals providing care
- The patient’s continence
- Current immunisation status
- The patient’s activities of daily living and physical function is assessed
- The patient’s psychological function is assessed, including questions about the patient’s mood and cognition
- The patient’s social functioning is assessed
The health professional undertaking the health assessment may also consider
- The patients need for community services
- Whether the patient is socially isolated
- The patient’s oral health, hearing and vision
- The patient’s nutrition status
Who undertakes the health assessment?
The health assessment will be undertaken by a Registered Nurse. Following the assessment and collection of information, the doctor will discuss their findings and recommendations with you.
- Further examinations and investigations may be required
- Appropriate interventions may be recommended
- Advice and information will be provided to the patient
- A record of the health assessment will be kept in the patients file, and the patient can be offered a written report with recommendations from the health assessment
Are there any costs for the health assessment?
The health assessment can be bulk billed through Medicare yearly.
How long will it take?
The health assessment will take between 45 minutes to 75 minutes