Geriatrics

Geriatric Medicine Clinic

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Overview

The Geriatric Medicine Clinic at The Ottawa Hospital offers short-term outpatient care for adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing changes in memory, mood, physical ability or have complex medical needs. 

Patients receive a comprehensive assessment from a team of health professionals and detailed, personalized recommendations to help improve quality of life, maintain independence and plan for future care. 

A nurse in red scrubs wearing a mask stands next to a hospital bed, holding the hand of an elderly patient who is also masked and lying in bed with medical equipment in the background.

The first visit

The first visit to the Geriatric Medicine Clinic usually lasts between three to four hours and begins at 9 a.m. During this time, patients receive a thorough medical and nursing assessment.

Patients must bring all current medications to the appointment. A family member, caregiver or close friend is also required to attend. Their input helps the care team understand the patient’s needs and set goals for the assessment. 

Return visits

After the first appointment, patients can expect to return to the Geriatric Medicine Clinic for four to five follow-up visits over several weeks. These visits usually last between one to three hours.

Multiple visits are scheduled because patients can fluctuate from day to day. This also helps reduce fatigue during each session.  

Patients may not see the geriatrician at every visit, but the geriatrician will stay informed and communicate with the referring family physician as needed.

If a medical emergency arises during the assessment period, patients should contact their family physician directly. 

Reviewing findings

Once the Geriatric Medicine Clinic assessment is complete, the care team meets with the patient and their caregiver to review the findings and discuss next steps. The team provides a written discharge summary with recommendations, gives a copy to the patient and caregiver, and sends it to the family physician and any involved community agencies.

We expect caregivers to support the patient in following the recommendations to help maintain health, safety and independence. 

Referrals

Patients are usually referred to the Geriatric Medicine Clinic by their family physician or a family member. In some cases, referrals may come through the Emergency Department as part of the Geriatric Emergency Management Program.

Most patients have already been assessed at home by a Geriatric Outreach Assessor before an appointment is scheduled at the Medicine Clinic. This helps ensure that the patient’s needs are clearly understood and that the Medicine Clinic is the right next step in their care.

Referrals will be made to appropriate team members, which could include:

  • Geriatrician (doctor) 
  • Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Social Worker
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Dietician
  • Pharmacist 

Contact us

Geriatric Medicine Clinic

613-761-4645

613-761-4824

The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus 
1053 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON  K1Y 4E9

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.