Understanding Geriatrics Assessments
What are Geriatrics Assessments and Why it Matters
Geriatrics assessments are comprehensive evaluations of an older adult’s physical, mental, and functional well-being.
They identify medical conditions, cognitive challenges, and daily living barriers, guiding the creation of tailored care plans that foster independence, enhance mobility, and significantly improve quality of life.
Integrating your needs with home environment:
Prioritising Health Needs
Mental Health Evaluation
Attention to Functional Ability
Understanding Geriatric Syndromes
Why Early Assessment Makes a Meaningful Difference
As we age, health challenges rarely occur in isolation. Changes in mobility, memory, mood, nutrition, and medication tolerance often overlap and influence one another. These patterns are known as geriatric syndromes and they can quietly accelerate functional decline if not identified early.
Early geriatric assessment helps uncover these interconnected issues, allowing timely intervention that supports independence, safety, and quality of life for both seniors and their families.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess how physical health, cognition, mood, daily function, and medication use interact with one another. This helps identify overlapping concerns.
Care
Coordination
We support families with clear explanations, realistic planning, and guidance that enables informed decisions and sustainable care at home.
Family Guidance and Support
Geriatric syndromes often affect both the individual and their caregivers. We support families with clear explanations, realistic planning.
Why Geriatrics Assessment Matters
When Small Changes Begin to Affect the Bigger Picture
Interconnected Decline in Ageing
In older adults, health changes rarely happen in isolation. A single issue such as a fall, memory lapse, or medication side effect can quietly trigger a chain of related challenges across physical, cognitive, and emotional health. This pattern is known as interconnected decline.
Geriatric assessments are designed to recognise these links early, before small issues become major limitations.
Common Patterns of Interconnected Decline
• Mobility issues contributing to falls, reduced activity, and loss of confidence
• Cognitive changes affecting medication use, safety, and daily routines
• Multiple medications increasing side effects, confusion, or instability
• Mood changes influencing appetite, sleep, and social withdrawal
• Sensory loss impacting balance, communication, and independence
Our Geriatrics Assessment Service Journey
Identifying and Addressing Ageing-Related Challenges
Our Geriatrics Assessment Services provide comprehensive evaluations to address ageing-related challenges, focusing on physical resilience, cognitive health, and daily living skills to promote independence, safety, and overall wellbeing for seniors and their families.
1
Prevent Falls & Strengthen Bones
2
Mobility and Independence
3
Building Resilience in Ageing
4
Improving Cognitive Health
5
Streamlining Medication
6
Additional Services
7
Holistic Care
Geriatric Syndromes in Everyday Care
How Common Ageing Challenges Are Addressed
Geriatric syndromes rarely occur in isolation. They often overlap, interact, and progress together, affecting independence, safety, and quality of life over time. Rather than treating each issue separately, a geriatric assessment looks across physical health, cognition, function, mood, nutrition, and medication use to understand how these syndromes connect and how best to respond.
At The Straits Geriatrics Centre, our assessment approach is designed to identify these patterns early and guide care that addresses root causes, not just visible symptoms.
Common Geriatric Syndromes Addressed Through Assessment
Understanding the patterns that affect health, function, and independence as we age
Falls & Gait Instability
Assessed through balance, strength, bone health, vision, and medication review to reduce fall risk and prevent fractures.
Depression & Mood Changes
Reviewed as part of emotional and psychological wellbeing, recognising their impact on motivation, sleep, appetite, and engagement with care.
Urinary
Incontinence
Evaluated in relation to mobility, cognition, medications, and functional ability, with attention to dignity and daily living needs.
Sensory
Impairments
Vision and hearing changes are considered as contributors to falls, isolation, and cognitive strain.
Osteoporosis & Fracture Risk
Assessed together with fall risk, bone density, strength, and lifestyle factors.
Delirium & Acute Confusion
Identified through cognitive screening and medical review to detect triggers such as infections, medications, or metabolic changes.
Pressure Injuries & Skin Breakdown
Reviewed in the context of mobility, circulation, nutrition, and caregiving support.
Malnutrition & Weight Loss
Assessed through dietary intake, swallowing ability, medical conditions, and social factors that affect access to food.
Functional
Decline
Daily activities such as walking, dressing, bathing, and meal preparation are evaluated to understand support needs and preserve independence.
Dementia & Cognitive Impairment
Assessed through memory, thinking, and functional evaluations to support early recognition, planning, and ongoing management.
Sleep
Disturbances
Explored alongside mood, cognition, medications, and chronic illness to improve rest and daytime function.
Polypharmacy
Medication use is carefully reviewed to reduce side effects, interactions, and unnecessary treatment burden.
How We Support Seniors and Their Families
Guiding You Through Every Step of Your Geriatrics Assessment
At The Straits Geriatrics Centre, we support seniors and their families through comprehensive geriatrics assessments, personalised care plans, and dedicated collaboration. We provide resources, guidance, and seamless coordination to enhance well-being, independence, and informed decision-making for your loved ones.
Comprehensive Evaluations
We provide thorough assessments of physical, cognitive, and emotional health to create personalised care plans tailored to seniors' unique needs.
Dedicated Care Coordination
Our team collaborates with healthcare providers, caregivers, and families to ensure seamless and effective care management.
Supporting Families
We offer guidance, resources, and support to help families make informed decisions for their loved ones' wellbeing and independence.
Dr. Tan Mei Ying Melanie
Senior Consultant Geriatrician
MBBS (Australia), MRCP (UK), FRCP (UK),
GDPM (Singapore), FAMS (Geriatric Medicine, Singapore)
Language Spoken: English, Mandarin, some Hokkien
Dr. Tan Mei Ying Melanie is deeply committed to the wellbeing of older adults. She previously served as a visiting consultant at National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, and as the Vice President of the Society for Geriatric Medicine Singapore, she exemplifies unwavering dedication in every aspect of her work.
Geriatrics Assessments FAQ
Your Questions About Geriatrics Assessments, Answered
Discover more about geriatrics assessments and how it can significantly benefit you or your loved ones with our expert answers to your most common questions.
Get in Touch
Address
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road, #03-14,
SG 258499
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 0830 - 1730 hrs
Sat: 0830 - 1230 hrs
Sun & Ph: Closed
Call
(65) 6341 5218
(65) 8939 4232
The Gleneagles Hospital carpark is open 24 hours a day.
Nearest Bus Stop
Napier Station Exit 1 (#13019)
7, 7B, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, 174, 174E
5 minutes walk away from Napier MRT Station TE12