What is Geriatric Evaluation & Management?

Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) is a slower stream of rehabilitation that provides assessment and therapy for older people with complicated health problems. GEM can include determining treatment options, stabilisation of medical conditions, lifestyle planning and planning for the future, such as use of services.

How is being in a Rehabilitation/ GEM Unit different to being in hospital?

You will have treatment and therapy aimed to help you regain independence and improve your health and well-being. This means that you will be expected to dress each day in comfortable clothes and to wear appropriate shoes suitable for exercising. You will have a plan developed that gives details of the therapy and treatment you will receive. The plan will include goals that you will work to reach, with the help of specially trained staff.

What do I need to bring with me?

· Comfortable clothes
· Shoes suitable for walking in
· Night attire and toiletries
· Any aids or equipment you use e.g. glasses, hearing aid, walking stick
· Leisure activities such as books/ magazines
· Medicare card, pension card

Avoid bringing large amounts of money or valuables as the hospital cannot be responsible for these.

Your Rehabilitation Treatment Plan

You will be assessed by a number of staff when you are admitted to the unit. Your rehabilitation treatment plan will be developed in the first week of your stay and you and your family will play a pivotal role in developing and reviewing the plan.

How is my progress assessed?

Staff will regularly assess your progress in the days and weeks following your admission. Your treating team (Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health) will discuss your progress with you.

How long will I say in the Rehabilitation Hospital?

The time you will stay in the unit depends on your medical condition(s) and your progress. In planning for your discharge, the staff will help you and your family make arrangements for your return home or to supported care. This can include arrangement of support services.

Rehabilitation Physician

Dr Kwong Teo

Geriatrician

Dr Marianne Wadsley

Nurse Unit Managers

1 West - Carol Barker Ph: 9764 6142
1 North - Alix Howard Ph: 9759 1836

Referrals

All referrals should be directed to the the SACS Access Unit on 9881 1100.

Referral Form