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The Department of Geriatric Medicine looks after the health care needs of patients who are 65 years or older. Beyond this age, people are more likely to require attention in many areas of their lives that could affect their wellbeing. In addition to medical problems; nursing, functional, psychological, social, environmental and financial issues often co-exist. Chronological age is not the only measure used to decide whether a patient requires the care of a Geriatrician (Specialist in Medicine of Old Age). These older persons usually also have one or more of the following problems:
  • Problems with walking (due to weakness, joint problems or unsteadiness, often leading to falls) or difficulties with activities of daily living (like dressing, bathing, feeding, grooming).
  • Declining memory and mood problems (which could include depression and suspected dementia).
  • Incontinence of urine or bowel (and problems such as constipation).
  • Nutritional problems (such as difficulties with eating or weight loss).
  • Multiple medical conditions requiring multiple medications, giving rise to problems associated with polypharmacy (e.g. too many tablets that may be difficult to take or may result in side effects).
Our Philosophy

Older patients tend to have more than one medical, functional and care problem. To consult a different specialist for each medical problem can be very confusing for an older person. Geriatricians therefore work alongside a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of nurses, therapists, pharmacists and medical social workers to coordinate the care needs of older patients and their families, and advise on the optimal utilization of the various support services available in the community.

The department aims to encourage the restoration of independence among our older patients, so that they can continue to do as many things for themselves as they are able to. The emphasis is to enhance quality and dignity of life wherever possible.
Services We Provide

Geriatric Medicine provides the following services:
  • Geriatric centre
    The Geriatric Centre is a one-stop service that provides affordable medical, rehabilitative and nursing care to elderly patients (Geriatric Day Hospital) as well as specialist outpatient appointments with our Geriatric Medicine doctors.

  • Geriatric assessment
    This is a comprehensive assessment that not only evaluates the medical problems but also assesses the various aspects which contribute to the well being of an older person. These include an assessment of memory, continence, nutrition, function and psychosocial aspects.

  • Geriatric rehabilitation
    Rehabilitation of elderly patients can be difficult because they often have many pre-existing and chronic illnesses. The Geriatric Day Hospital, which is housed in the centre, provides intensive rehabilitation programmes for elderly persons, under the supervision of Geriatricians.

    Rehabilitation may also include home visits and consultations for home modifications to enhance the safety and independence of the patient at home, when necessary. Caregiver training is also conducted at the day hospital.

  • Specialist Outpatient Clinics
    These provide follow up appointments for patients upon discharge from the wards, or accept referrals from General Practitioners and Polyclinics for specialist assessment and management.

  • Continence Clinic
    The Geriatrician will be able to assess the elderly person with urinary or bowel incontinence, and where required, urodynamic assessments (using specialised computerized equipment) can be performed.

  • Falls Clinic
    Provides an assessment of falls for people who have experienced a fall. The assessment is conducted by a geriatrician, physiotherapist and nurse specialist and will recommend appropriate advice to prevent further falls.
  • Memory Clinic
    This clinic is a collaboration between the Department of Geriatric Medicine and the Department of Psychological Medicine. Its main aim is to assess patients over the age of 50 years who have memory complaints, to further investigate and assist in the management of the patients and care givers. This will be done by Geriatricians and Psychogeriatricians with the assistance of a specialist nurse. Where necessary, a referral can be made to occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists.
Integrated Framework for Elderly Care

This is a Ministry of Health framework where Geriatricians work alongside medical and nursing staff in designated Nursing Homes and Community Hospitals affiliated to Changi General Hospital.

Please visit our Health Library for the online copy of Skills for Life: Homecare.

Staff Members
For information on our staff, please click here.

 
 
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