It is a fact that as we age our risk of illness and disease increases.
If you are a senior, our aim is to keep you active, healthy and independent for as long as possible. If you are 75 years or older, we encourage you to have a comprehensive Senior Health Check every 12 months. This is an opportunity to review lifestyle factors such as nutrition, social interaction, physical activity, independence with daily living tasks, memory and cognitive function and falls risk. It is also an opportunity for the doctor to review your medications, health needs, and management goals.
Through identifying risks and difficulties early on, plans and strategies can be put in place to manage your health and well-being, keeping you safe, independent and healthier for longer. This is a health check that should generally be undertaken by the patient’s usual doctor, that is the GP (or GP working in the same practice) who has provided the majority of services to you in the past 12 months and/or who is likely to provide the majority of services for the following 12 months.
Sometimes a little help with home duties, going shopping or gardening is all that is needed; or maybe you need more assistance such as help with showering, medications or wound care. These are tasks that you can access through community care groups that you might not be aware that are available. It is through these health checks, that you and your GP can identify any needs or concerns you have regarding maintaining your independence at home.