About one half of my practice is dedicated to patients aged 65 and older.  These patients have additional needs and are more likely to experience difficulties with health issues, loss and grief, as well as memory problems/dementia.  In addition, isolation, changes in living arrangements, and difficulties with transportation can also be present.  I have expertise in treating mental illness in the geriatric population and am available to visit the individual at their place of residence such as a nursing home, assisted-living facility, or private home if they are not able to come to the office.

For these patients I work closely with the family as well as with facilities, physicians, and other care providers including Geriatric Care Managers to make sure that all aspects of the individual are evaluated and addressed. 

Geriatric Evaluations consist of several parts.  First, I obtain extensive information from family members, Primary Care physicians and other involved medical specialists; this includes reviewing labs and other tests.  If the patient resides in an Assisted Living or Nursing Home facility, I speak with the staff at the facility and review the entire medical chart.  I then meet with the patient and do a comprehensive assessment including looking for symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral problems, and perform memory testing.  I also do a Neurological examination at this same time.  Afterward, I discuss my findings and recommendations with the family and other physicians and answer any questions they may have.  The fee for this evaluation is $1,200.

Follow-up evaluations follow the same pattern as the initial evaluation, but on a much smaller scale. Follow up visits are $300 each.  On average I follow up with my geriatric patients every 4-6 weeks.  Some patients who are very stable may only be seen every 2-3 months.  Sometimes at the onset of treatment adjustments may needed more frequently, so visits may be spaced closer together at first.  

Geriatric Legal Services
I am available to assist with legal evaluations to help family members obtain Power of Attorney or Guardianship for their relatives who are not able to care for themselves safely as well as to advise about treatment needs.  These services are similar to the Geriatric Evaluations described above. I work closely with Elder Law Attorneys and am able to make referrals to one if needed.  Legal services are billed at $450 per hour.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about these services.