- Our services
- Medical and surgical
- Geriatric medicine
Geriatric medicine
Older patients, particularly if they are frail and elderly, may have multiple medical problems, reduced mobility, hearing and/or vision or memory loss which means many specialists are involved in providing care.
We take a holistic approach looking at how each health issue affects the others, and work closely with you and your loved ones to ensure your individual needs are met and you receive appropriate ongoing care.
Geriatric medicine services
Our geriatric medicine services specialise in the assessment and rehabilitation of older people after illness, injury or surgery.
We provide evidence-based care and support for you, your family and your carers. We work closely with you to develop a plan for your treatment and recovery.
Geriatric medicine is provided for:
- inpatients in specialised wards and units
- outpatients in day therapy units.
Inpatients
You may be admitted to a geriatric or aged care unit after an acute illness or injury, or by referral from your general practitioner (GP) or treating physician in consultation with one of our geriatricians.
Our geriatricians work with a team of healthcare professionals to help you recover as quickly as possible, so you can return home.
Outpatients
You can access our geriatric medicine services provided by doctors, nurses and allied health professionals as an outpatient. A range of clinics on age-related topics may be available including:
- falls
- continence
- memory
- osteoporosis
- other general geriatric services.
You can access these services with a referral from a consultant geriatrician. Alternatively, your GP may refer you to the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in your local area.
Benefits of geriatric medicine services
The benefits of our geriatric medicine include:
- access to healthcare teams that specialise in treating older people
- evidence-based treatment of multiple medical problems
- holistic, individualised approach to your care
- improved ability to perform your day-to-day activities
- support for your family and carers
- a better quality of life.
These benefits depend on your particular circumstances and require you to fully participate in necessary before and after care and management. You should consult a specialist in this area before deciding whether treatment is suitable for you.
Costs and fee payment options
If you have private health insurance, the costs for your hospital stay and specialist fees may be covered by your health fund, based on your level of cover.
If you don’t have private health insurance, you can access treatment at a St John of God Health Care hospital through our self-funded care option.
When you use your private health insurance, you get benefits that include access to St John of God Health Care private hospital facilities, your choice of specialist, minimal wait times, and with an eligible policy most of your hospital costs can be covered by your private health insurance fund.
You should contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses. Your health insurer will also be able to assist in understanding if you will have doctor, radiology and pathology out-of-pocket costs.
Patients who don’t have private health insurance can choose to access St John of God Health Care private hospital services and treatments by paying fees themselves.
By accessing our self-funded care option, you’ll be able to avoid wait times and have your surgery or treatment with your choice of specialist at a St John of God Health Care private hospital.
- Learn more and enquire about the self-funded care option.
- Call 1300 940 199 to get a quote for self-funded treatment.
If you have received an invoice for an expense associated with treatment from a St John of God Health Care service you can pay your bill online.
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