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Getting Older Veterans Connected to Resources and Support Services
VA provider examining an older Veteran
May’s topic is:
Improving Health Care for Older Veterans
On average, Veterans are older than the general U.S. population – almost half are age 65 or older. Rest assured, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has helpful programs and resources for aging Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Geriatric Evaluation is a health care visit with a team of experts that results in a treatment plan aimed at helping Veterans:
- Maintain good health
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce the need for hospital stays
- Reduce the need for long term care services
- Remain independent using VA and community resources
This visit, often called a consult, is an option for all enrolled Veterans who need it, as often as it is needed. This service is for Veterans with complex care needs. It can help their caregivers learn to manage and cope with both normal age-related changes in health and the more complex kinds of medical problems that may develop with aging.
- Hearing problems
- Vision problems
- Feeling dizzy
- Weight loss due to decreased appetite, poor diet, and being less active
- Less strength, also called “frailty,” which can make it harder to get better from an illness or after a hospital stay
- Sudden confusion, also called delirium
- Hard time with walking or balance, and falls
- Changes with bowel or bladder function, such as incontinence or constipation (lack of control of bladder or bowels)
- Dementia and other memory problems
- Feeling depressed
- Taking 5 or more medicines, vitamins, or supplements
This consult visit can be done in person at a clinic or hospital, through Telehealth, over the phone, or through a review of the medical record. After the visit, a plan is shared with the Veteran and caregiver. The plan includes resources and support services to address current and possible future problems, such as information about:
Need more help or information? Find a VA social worker in your area or visit www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
To learn more about services and resources for Veterans and their caregivers, visit www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
