Ageing and Health (Geriatric Medicine)

Ageing and health is not a specific medical condition but rather a broad term that encompasses the various health-related changes and challenges associated with growing older. It refers to the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing that can impact an individual's overall well-being. This includes changes such as decreased muscle mass and bone density, increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia, cognitive decline, changes in mental health, and social isolation. 

While aging itself is not a disease, addressing the health needs of older adults is crucial for maintaining quality of life and promoting healthy ageing.

Our service provides:

Comprehensive geriatric assessments

Evaluation of physical, cognitive, and functional abilities to identify health concerns and develop personalised care plans.

Chronic disease management

Monitoring and treatment of age-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Fall prevention programmes

Strategies to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries through home assessments, exercise programmes, and education on safety measures.

Rehabilitation services

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to improve mobility, strength, independence and communication skills.

Pain management

Assessment and treatment of chronic pain conditions commonly experienced by older adults, such as osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain.

Psychosocial support

Counselling, support groups, and mental health services to address emotional challenges, depression, anxiety, and adjustment to life changes associated with ageing.

Nutritional counselling

Guidance on healthy eating habits, dietary modifications, and nutritional supplements to support overall health and well-being.

Assistive devices and home modifications

Provision of mobility aids, adaptive equipment, and recommendations for home modifications to enhance safety and independence.

End-of-life care

Palliative care and hospice services to provide comfort, symptom management, and emotional support for individuals with advanced illness and their families.

Orthogeriatric service

A specialised healthcare approach that integrates orthopaedic and geriatric expertise to optimise care for older adults who have suffered hip fractures or other orthopaedic injuries.

 

iOPAL

Integrated Older Person's Assessment and Liaison (iOPAL) involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including geriatricians, nurses, therapists, and social workers, who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive assessments, care planning, and coordination of services for older adults across our inpatient settings.

Patients aged 65 years and above identified as living with age related illness.

We take referrals from GPs in addition to working with colleagues in our urgent and emergency care departments to identify patients who would benefit from geriatric care.

Ageing and Health secretary’s office: 01483 571122 (ext: 2789).

• Hannah Berrington, Head of Service
• Jack Brown, Specialty Manager
• Ellie Cole, Assistant Specialty Manager
• Helen Wilson, Clinical Director

Ageing & Health Consultants/Associate Specialists

• Prof Jules Wright
• Maria Ionikov
• Fidekis Oiku
• Atif Khan
• Agnes Toth
• Louise Green (Chief of Service, Access & Medicine)
• Myooran Ganeshananthan
• Chooi Lee
• Hiro Khoshnaw
• Rachel Davies
• Laila Mazin
• Shumaila Dar
• Collette Frittelli
• James Adams (Chief of Service, Community)
• Helen Wilson (Clinical Director, Ageing and Health)