What is The Picture of Health?
The “Picture of Health” is a complete, multi-professional in-home assessment for seniors. It is designed to help you or your loved one better understand your current situation, abilities, and plan for the future. The assessment contributes in determining legal capacity for making financial or personal decisions.
How does The Picture of Health work?
The Picture of Health assessment begins with an interview of the Senior and family members by our Social Worker, generally lasting an hour and a half. It is followed by individual interviews with a Physician, Nurse, Physiotherapist, and Occupational Therapist, and will include an evaluation of medication regimes by a Pharmacist. We may request information from significant others such as your family doctor. If scheduling permits, the assessment will be completed in no more than two weeks and can start within a day or two of request. Included in the fee for the “The Picture of Health” is a one hour post assessment meeting to discuss the report.
Clients are requested to have blood tests and a urinalysis. Other tests, such as stool samples, or CT scan may be requested based on the initial assessments. We recommend that you inform your physician of the assessment, and request his/her cooperation in the form of releasing relevant medical information to our team on forms which will be provided to you. Your physician may have a charge for completing the forms.
“The Picture of Health” produces a written report, within ten days of the completion of the assessments . It is a care plan based in the identification of concerns and recommendations regarding health, care, lifestyle, and future issues. Diamond Geriatrics is available to help guide in the implementation of the plan and carry out care.
How much does The Picture of Health cost?
“The Picture of Health” assessments cost $1200.00 within the city of Vancouver. Additional costs for travel time may be added for clients outside of the city of Vancouver. Additional costs may be incurred for additional interviews.
What are the benefits of The Picture of Health?
Specifically, benefits may include identification of:
- Recommendations planning for future care needs
- Medical concerns and recommendations including previously undetected or under-treated conditions
- Capacity for personal and financial decisions.
- Potential problems, contra-indications, and optimal choices of medications.
- Current and potential problems with mobility and personal care tasks, home safety,
- Equipment and improvement in physical functioning
- Dementia and other cognitive impairments
- Emotional/psychological concerns
- Family action and intervention.
- Current and future housing options
- Resources that can be utilized now or in future.
How does the Picture of Health differ from the normal assessments or consultations done by Diamond Geriatrics?
Our general assessment is carried out by one of our professional Care Managers only and results in the development of care plans or recommendations. It may recommend treatment by one of our other team professionals. Our consultations consist of either an office or home visit in which we discuss your issues, and help guide you in problem solving or planning. Either of these could result in your choosing to have a Picture of Health Assessment. Our general assessments and consultations are billed hourly and include driving times.
What do I do next?
For more information or to schedule your Picture of Health assessment, please contact Diamond Geriatrics at 604-874-7764 or email us at eldercare@diamondgeriatrics.com.
