Geriatric Evaluation and Management

Latrobe Regional Hospital’s Sub-acute care services include a 19 bed accredited inpatient Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) unit.

Wide ranges of therapy programs are provided within the unit by a team of experienced healthcare professionals.

GEM is sub-acute care of chronic or complex conditions associated with ageing, cognitive dysfunction, chronic illness or disability.

Entry criteria

·         GEM clients are predominantly but not limited to older people over the age of 70 years.

·         The client shall be willing and have the ability to participate in the therapeutic program.

·         The client’s medical/surgical condition shall not preclude or prohibit participation in therapeutic regime.

·         There are identifiable goals, which are tangible and achievable.

·         Cognitive function does not prohibit a client’s ability to learn.

·          

·         Ability to engage in up to one hour of therapy, three times per week at a minimum.

What to expect during your stay in GEM

·         Admission processes and initial assessment will be conducted.

·         A plan will be developed with you and your carer(s).

·         You will be given an  estimated discharge date

Admission Process and Initial Assessment

·         On admission you will be familiarised with the layout and facilities of the unit and therapy areas.

·         You will meet the team that will be looking after you. These will include nurses, doctors, therapists and a geriatrician.

·         They will begin your assessment and formulate a plan.

Plan

·         Following your assessment, a goal-orientated plan will be developed. This will include therapy times and other activities. Your therapy timetable will be located on the corkboard in your room.

·          You are encouraged to participate in the communal aspects of the GEM unit.

·         As part of your therapy, you  are encouraged to attend the dining room for meals.

·         You may be asked to carry out exercises or activities relating to your goals outside your therapy session times. This is an important part of your program.

·         Weekly team meetings will be held to discuss your progress and to review your goals.

·         If necessary a meeting between you, your family and GEM team members will be organised.

·         Outcomes of meetings and assessments will be discussed with you and your family/carer.

Discharge

·         Plans for your discharge will commence soon after your admission.

·         It may be necessary for the Occupational Therapist to visit your home to ensure the environment is suitable and safe for your return.

·         If you are being discharged somewhere other than home, this will be discussed with you and organised appropriately.

·         Any medications, community services or additional therapy you require will be arranged prior to your discharge.

·         You/your family is responsible to arrange your transport home. If there are difficulties with this please discuss this with nursing staff of the social worker as soon as possible.

·         We request that you arrange to be picked up prior by 10am on your discharge day.

What to bring

·         In order to participate in your therapy you will need to wear suitable clothing. Soft trousers and tops or tracksuits and properly fitting low healed shoes are most suitable.

·         It is recommended that you have several changes of clothes to allow for laundering.

·         Swimwear is required for those undertaking hydrotherapy as part of their program.

·         You will need to bring night attire, toiletries, continence aids (if required) and personal grooming items.

·         Any clothing and personal belongings must be clearly labelled.

·         As the hospital is not able to take responsibility for valuable items or money, you are requested not to bring these with you, however if you need to bring anything they will remain your responsibility. Please advise staff if you require any valuables to be locked in the hospital’s safe.

·         Please do not use any small electrical appliances from home (hair dryers, shavers, radios, etc) before advising a staff member. All electrical items require an electrical safety check prior to use. Please ask a  staff member to arrange this for you.

Team Members

Geriatrician

The Geriatrician is a specialist doctor who is responsible for the medical management and direction of the Nicholson GEM Unit. Day to day medical treatment is provided by the Hospital Medical Officer (HMO) assigned to the unit. Your General Practitioner (GP) is informed of your progress on discharge.

Nurse

GEM nurses are registered nurses with a special interest in geriatric nursing. They are trained to ‘help you help yourself’ by promoting independence and providing education and support for you and your family during your stay in Nicholson GEM.

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support, counselling and advice in relation to personal and financial issues, or other problems.

They also are a valuable source of information and are able to provide assistance regarding availability of community services, transport and accommodation facilities and organise necessary supports for discharge including links to community services.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists work with people to achieve the highest level of function possible in respect to strength, endurance, balance, coordination walking and mobility.

Physiotherapy treatment encompasses a range of active exercises and treatments.

This may include hydrotherapy depending on your specific needs.

Any problems related to mobility in the hospital or at home will be addressed by your physiotherapist.

Occupational Therapist

The aim of Occupational Therapy is to maximise your ability to function in all areas of daily living.

Your Occupational Therapist will assess your ability to perform activities of daily living, and will identify any areas of difficulty.

Special equipment may be recommended to assist you in your daily activities.

An assessment of your home environment may also be conducted to ensure you can function safely after discharge. Home modifications, such as rails or ramps may also be recommended.

Orthotist

The Orthotist assists with any movement or functional problems by the use of devices such as splints, callipers or braces.

Speech Pathologist

The Speech Pathologist offers therapy and advice to people who have difficulty with:

·         Speech and communication

·         Understanding of language

·         Reading and writing

·         Swallowing and eating

·         Intellectual abilities, such as memory, concentration and problem solving.

Dietitian

The Dietitians role is to optimise nutritional intake and to provide practical dietary advice to aid recovery.

A dietitian may come to see you if you have;

·         lost weight,

·         poor appetite,

·         delayed wound healing,

·         unstable diabetes or  require revision of its management,

·         weight that is impacting on your medical condition

·         any other condition that requires a special diet.

Visiting Hours

 Nicholson GEM Unit visiting hours are between

3.00pm and 8.00 p.m. Monday-Friday

10.00pm and 8.00 p.m. on Weekends

If visitors wish to visit out of hours they will need to arrange this with the nurse in charge.

Leave

During your stay inNicholson GEM  you may wish to take or be encouraged to take day leave. One overnight leave may also be taken.

Considerations prior to the taking of leave may include:

·         The suitability of the environment where you will be going

·         Safety of yourself, your carers and the environment you will be in

·         Leave must not interfere with therapy times

Adequate notice of intended leave must be given. All weekend leave to be approved by Thursday and at least one day’s notice given for leave on a weekday.

Leave forms must be signed prior to departure.

You are requested to return at the agreed time and inform your nurse of your return.

Any medication you are taking will be provided to you prior to you going on leave.

Compliments or Complaints

Latrobe Regional Hospital actively seeks feedback from customers.

Compliments are used as a measure of customer satisfaction.

Complaints shall be utilised as an opportunity to improve service and performance. Complaints will be handled in a fair and equitable manner, treated confidentially and acted upon promptly to ensure resolution.

Compliments or complaints can be discussed with any staff member and made verbally or in writing.

More information about how to make a compliment or a complaint

Laundry

Nicholson GEM unit does not provide this service and alternative arrangements must be made by you or your family.

Hairdresser

There is a visiting hairdresser. Please advise staff if you would like an appointment.

Televisions

Patients are requested not to bring portable televisions to hospital. There is a TV and video provided in the main lounge room.  In addition, you are able to hire a TV if you wish..

Cafeteria

A cafeteria is available to you and your visitors within the hospital. Hours of operation are displayed at the cafeteria entrance.

Chaplaincy Service

Should you require a visit from a clergy, this can be arranged by the staff.

Interpreter Services

Interpreter services can be arranged if you or your family requires them.

Enquiries

In order to protect your privacy, staff are only able to provide information regarding your care and treatment to either yourself or the person nominated as your next of kin.