Senior Evaluation Program in Southern California

Gauging the Aging Process

As people advance in age, it’s important to strike a balance between respecting their autonomy and offering the right kind of assistance to help them maintain their independence. At Casa Colina, we understand what a complex task this can be. That is why we created the Senior Evaluation Program. Our program offers a thorough, compassionate way to support senior health and to determine the most appropriate level of assistance required by a person advancing in age.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to caring for the aging.

Our innovative outpatient program combines a physician-led team of geriatric clinical specialists in one convenient setting. The first appointment involves a pre-screening evaluation with a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, who will determine appropriateness for admission into the program. A board-certified geriatrician then provides a comprehensive and thorough evaluation.

Together, these clinicians direct the care team that next conducts a series of on-site evaluations and screenings designed to identify issues of concern. The team then offers strategies to improve and maintain the highest-possible level of function for the patient. This assessment period requires a series of four to six visits to Casa Colina’s Outpatient Center and focuses on the following areas: functional ability, physical health, psychological health, and socio-environmental health.

Based on the results, the care team will offer objective recommendations in the best interest of the patient’s overall health and quality of life.

Our team of clinical specialists includes:

• Physician who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrist)
• Physician who is board-certified in both geriatric and family medicine
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
• Occupational therapist certified in low vision rehabilitation
• Neuropsychologist
• Radiologist for diagnostic imaging
• Laboratory
• Audiologist
• Case manager/social worker
• Other clinicians as required

Who will benefit from the Senior Evaluation Program?

Individuals with mild to moderate impairments will benefit from our comprehensive approach to geriatric screening and intervention. The program helps to identify and manage issues often associated with aging.

The Senior Evaluation Program is recommended for patients who have (or had):

• Decrease in ability to function independently
• Change in mobility
• Decline in memory/cognitive issues
• Changes in behavior or mental status
• Stroke or brain injury
• Weakness, unstable gait or balance, or frequent falls
• Cardiac disease
• Pulmonary issues
• Eating or swallowing difficulties
• Wounds that will not heal
• Deconditioning
• Dressing, grooming, or bathing difficulties
• Hearing or vision problems
• Incontinence
• Arthritis
• Orthopedic problems that include fracture of the femur or dislocation of the hip
• Congenital disorders
• Neurological diseases

Our goal is to help improve the patient’s quality of life both now and in the future.

After a complete assessment, our clinical team meets with the patient, patient’s family, and caregivers to discuss the results of the evaluation and develop a recommended plan of care. Tools and resources are provided to help keep the patient as functional and safe as possible. We may recommend that the patient return home with the support of outpatient rehabilitation and the assistance of family members/caregivers. We may also suggest follow-up with home health care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. In every instance, we strive to determine the most appropriate level of care so that patients and their families feel reassured about their decisions and plans for the future.

Completion of the Senior Evaluation Program will enable patients to benefit from:

• Improved quality of life
• Fewer fractures and injuries
• Decreased risk of drug interactions (overuse and misuse)
• Enhanced understanding and management of chronic disease
• Minimized functional decline
• Added convenience with a "one-stop" comprehensive assessment

Our services may include:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy evaluation
• Gait and balance testing
• Driving assessment (additional fee)
• Home evaluation
• Swallowing assessment
• Social work/case management assessment and intervention
• Emotional support for patients and their families
• Additional resources to keep the patient as functional as possible

We collaborate with primary care physicians.

The Senior Evaluation Program team works with primary care physicians to help improve or maintain function in their patients. We welcome referring physicians to participate in the assessment process and will provide them with the results of our evaluation and recommended plan of care.

Medicare covers the Senior Evaluation Program for appropriate patients.We also accept most preferred insurance providers.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 909/596-7733, ext. 3800 or toll-free 800/926-5462, ext. 3800.