Geriatric Medicine Associates (GMA) is a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing the health of older persons. The physicians, geriatric nurse practitioner, and social worker at GMA offer a variety of clinical services to older patients including:

· comprehensive geriatric assessment
· in-hospital consultation
· comprehensive longitudinal care
· end of life symptom control
· coordination of determination of competency
· medication education and compliance
· decubitus ulcer program
· falls analysis and prevention
· continence training
· functional assessment
· advance directives counseling
· nursing home information
· family and caregiver counseling
· community resource information
· screening for dementia and depression
· education on dementia and related issues

The comprehensive geriatric assessment program is available to all elderly persons in an outpatient or inpatient setting and is especially valuable to those whose physical, functional, or emotional status has become unstable. Patients are evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team including geriatricians, a geriatric nurse practitioner, a geriatric social worker, and fellows in geriatric medicine. This assessment is available on a consultation basis or as a first step in ongoing primary care. It includes referrals to community services, and counseling for family members.

The complete outpatient assessment, which usually requires three visits, includes assessment of:

• medical history
• cognitive and emotional status
• ability to function independently
• physical status
• social history and social supports
• medications

A written summary of the assessment and recommendations will be provided for patients receiving ongoing care elsewhere.

In-hospital consultation involves the multi-disciplinary team at Texas Medical Center hospital, including The Methodist Hospital and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. This service is recommended for those geriatric patients with multiple medical problems and complicated discharge planning needs. Consultation service includes assistance with psychosocial problems and special nursing issues. This service involves the multidisciplinary team at Texas Medical Center hospitals, including The Methodist Hospital and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital.

Additionally, physicians and nurse practitioners from GMA provide medical oversight to several long-term care facilities near the Texas Medical Center.

back to top