Areas of Care

Geriatrics

Overview

The Geriatrics Program at The Ottawa Hospital provides care for adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing changes in memory, mood, physical ability or have complex medical needs. 

Our program offers in-patient, out-patient programs, and partners with community services. 

A doctor comforts an elderly person by holding their hand and touching her shoulder. The person looks sad or concerned as they sit in a chair in a well-lit room.

Who we help

Patients are referred to Geriatrics for assessment of a variety of concerns such as:

  • Recent changes in physical, mental or functional abilities, falls, impaired mobility, dementia, delirium, change in mood, decreased the ability for self-care.
  • Major changes in support needs, caregiver stress, institutional placement being considered.
  • Safety concerns – physical, psychological, social or environmental.
  • Sudden increase in the use of health care services over the last six months.  Examples include increasing visits to family doctors or emergency departments, or escalating home care needs. 

Services

Inpatient care

Patients who are already in hospital at The Ottawa Hospital may be transferred to our Inpatient Geriatric Medicine Unit at the Civic Campus for assessment and treatment. Patients must be referred to the unit by an inpatient physician and be seen in consultation by one of our geriatric nurse specialists or geriatric physicians.

613-798-5555 ext. 14261

613-761-4589

Outpatient care

In partnership with the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, we offer a wide range of services to help patients maximize their function and help patients and families make decisions about their treatment and care.

Go to the program page for specific referral and contact information.


Team

Team leaders

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Marley Pickles White

Director, Medical Outpatient Care
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Carol Mann

Director, Medical Inpatient Care
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Lisa McDonnell

Program Director, Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario

For both inpatient and the Geriatric Day Hospital, patients may be seen by the following team members:  

  • CCAC Case Manager.
  • Dietician.
  • Geriatrician (A doctor who has special training in the care of the elderly).
  • Geriatric Nurse Specialist.
  • Occupational Therapist.
  • Personal Care Assistant (PCA).
  • Pharmacist.
  • Physiotherapist.
  • Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Rehabilitation Assistant.
  • Social Worker.
  • Speech and Language Pathologist.
  • Ward Clerk.