ARE YOU OVER 75?
YOU COULD HAVE AN ANNUAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT WITH YOUR GP
If you are living in the community and are 75 years of age or older you could have this annual health assessment.
The annual health assessment helps in the management of your total health and may give rise to opportunities for preventative health care.
It is a good way to identify any risks or medical issues that need addressing that may not be identified if you are visiting the GP for another reason.
This service is for people who live at home or in an independent living unit but not in a hostel or nursing home.
What is an annual health assessment?
The annual health assessment is a comprehensive appointment conducted by your GP which looks at medical, physical, psychological and social components of your health and wellbeing.
It will probably cover:
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medical
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blood pressure, your current medication (prescribed and over the counter), immunisation status
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physical
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activities of daily living (eg getting out of bed, personal care, looking after the house), continence, mobility, wether you have had any falls in previous 3 months
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psychological
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your cognitive function and mood
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social
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what social support, carers and formal help arrangements are in place
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How do I arrange one?
Many doctors surgeries already routinely offer their patients whom are over 75 years of age an annual health assessment.
If the GP you normally attend has not offered you this health assessment, ring the practice to find out whether you are eligible.
The health assessments take longer than a normal appointment, so they need to be booked and in some cases you will see the practice nurse as well as your GP.