Understanding the Importance of Geriatric Assessment for Aging Adults
Growing older brings unique health needs, and many families eventually reach a point where they realize their loved one requires a more focused type of medical evaluation. A standard check-up often isn’t enough to fully understand shifting cognitive abilities, mobility concerns, medication complications, or subtle changes in behavior. This is where a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment becomes essential. Older adults benefit greatly from structured evaluations that look beyond symptoms and examine functional capacity, cognitive health, emotional well-being, and long-term safety.
Seniors in Nueva Ecija and nearby communities often face multiple conditions that interact with one another. Hypertension pairs with diabetes, mobility issues combine with medication side effects, and memory lapses may go unnoticed until they worsen. Many families also struggle with understanding whether certain changes are normal signs of aging or indicators of something more serious. A geriatric assessment provides clarity by identifying risks early, guiding treatment decisions, and supporting families with accurate information.
This type of assessment becomes even more valuable when performed by a specialist trained specifically in senior health. At Pro-Create’s Multi-Specialty Clinic, Dr. Marjorie Nolasco, an Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine Specialist, offers structured and compassionate evaluations built around the realities seniors experience daily. Her expertise gives families confidence and provides seniors with a care plan designed to promote comfort, safety, and better health outcomes.
Who Is Dr. Marjorie Nolasco? A Specialist Dedicated to Senior Health
Dr. Marjorie Nolasco brings a strong foundation in medical training and senior-focused healthcare. Her background includes a BS in Nursing, a Doctor of Medicine degree, residency training, a Master in Hospital Administration, and specialized fellowship training at the National Center for Geriatric Health. This extensive preparation shaped her ability to understand the medical, emotional, and social concerns experienced by older adults.
As a Geriatric Medicine Specialist, she attends to seniors with a level of detail that many general consultations cannot provide. Every session with her is designed to ensure that older adults feel comfortable, understood, and supported. She combines structured assessment tools with attentive listening, recognizing that seniors often need time, reassurance, and patience.
Families trust her because she blends medical expertise with a gentle communication style that supports both seniors and their caregivers. She offers services such as Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, dementia screening, senior-focused consultations, and guidance for long-term wellness planning. Whether the concern involves memory changes, chronic illnesses, fall risks, or general health monitoring, her approach is designed to provide clarity and direction.
What a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Involves
A geriatric assessment is much more than a routine consultation. It is a structured, multi-dimensional evaluation that looks at all essential aspects of a senior’s life. Because older adults often have overlapping health issues, the assessment seeks to understand how each condition affects the others and how these collectively influence daily living.
Key components typically include:
Functional assessment – Evaluation of mobility, balance, and ability to perform daily activities like bathing, cooking, or medication management. This helps identify fall risks and opportunities to improve independence.
Cognitive screening – Examination of memory, orientation, problem-solving skills, and behavioral changes. This step is crucial in detecting early signs of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Emotional and psychological wellness – Identification of signs of anxiety, isolation, sadness, or decreased motivation, which are common among older adults.
Medical review – Analysis of chronic illnesses, blood pressure patterns, diabetes status, heart conditions, and medication combinations. Many seniors unknowingly experience complications caused by multiple medications taken together.
Nutritional evaluation – Monitoring of appetite, weight loss, hydration, and nutrient deficiencies.
Social assessment – Understanding the senior’s daily environment, support system, caregiver involvement, and home safety.
The assessment is supported by Pro-Create’s integrated healthcare system. Seniors may undergo additional screening at the Diagnostic Center for lab work, ultrasound, X-ray, and other important tests, ensuring every part of their evaluation is accurate and complete. The Multi-Specialty Clinic also allows smooth coordination with other doctors such as endocrinologists, orthopedic specialists, and internal medicine physicians whenever needed.
Dr. Marjorie Nolasco’s Step-by-Step Geriatric Assessment Process
The process begins with a warm, unrushed conversation. Dr. Marjorie encourages seniors to share their concerns in their own words while also gathering detailed medical and lifestyle information. She often invites family members or caregivers to contribute insights, especially when seniors forget or downplay certain symptoms.
The evaluation continues with a senior-focused physical examination. This review includes vital signs, organ systems, gait observation, muscle strength assessment, reflex checks, and other examinations specific to age-related concerns. She then administers structured tools that measure cognitive function, emotional wellness, and functional ability.
If the senior shows signs of memory changes, confusion, or behavioral shifts, Dr. Marjorie leads them through specialized cognitive tests used in assessing dementia and related conditions. These tools are internationally recognized and allow her to evaluate memory, speech, attention span, problem-solving skills, and orientation.
Once all assessments are complete, she creates a personalized care plan. This covers medication adjustments, lifestyle recommendations, safety planning, medical referrals within Pro-Create’s network, and a long-term schedule for monitoring. Families leave the assessment with clear guidance rather than uncertainty.
Throughout the entire visit, seniors benefit from Pro-Create’s patient-centered environment, designed to make assessments comfortable and stress-free. The clinic’s welcoming layout and calm atmosphere help seniors feel at ease.
Dementia Screening and Cognitive Care Led by Dr. Marjorie Nolasco
One of the most important parts of senior health evaluation is dementia screening. Many families overlook early signs, thinking they are ordinary effects of aging. However, early changes such as forgetting conversations, repeating questions, disorientation, or difficulty managing daily tasks may reflect something more serious.
Dr. Marjorie provides structured dementia screening that distinguishes normal aging from concerning cognitive decline. When necessary, she guides families through diagnosis, management, and long-term planning. Her approach involves patience, compassion, and clear communication, helping families understand the progression of cognitive conditions and what steps they can take for support.
Her care extends beyond diagnosis. She works closely with caregivers, educating them about behavior management, medication schedules, safety planning, and strategies to support seniors with memory loss. This guidance often becomes a lifeline for families navigating the emotional challenges of cognitive decline.
Why Families Trust Pro-Create for Senior Wellness and Geriatric Care
Pro-Create Fertility and OB-GYN Clinic has grown to become a comprehensive healthcare center offering more than reproductive health. Its Multi-Specialty Clinic and Diagnostic Center ensure families have access to complete medical support under one roof. Seniors benefit from an environment designed for convenience, continuity of care, and timely access to specialists.
Families appreciate the coordinated healthcare model because seniors often need multi-specialty guidance. Endocrine concerns may require an endocrinologist, mobility issues may need orthopedic care, and abnormal lab results may require further internal medicine evaluation. With Pro-Create’s structure, seniors and their families do not need to visit multiple facilities or travel far for follow-ups.
The clinic’s values are rooted in compassion, affordability, accessibility, and long-term care. From comfortable waiting areas to attentive staff, seniors receive respectful and thoughtful treatment during every visit. They benefit from streamlined diagnostics, detailed consultations, and a supportive environment focused on promoting better aging.
Conditions Commonly Addressed During Geriatric Evaluation
Many seniors undergo geriatric assessments for multiple concerns that may appear minor individually but are serious when combined. Common issues assessed include:
- Hypertension and irregular blood pressure patterns
- Diabetes and its complications
- Weakness, muscle loss, and difficulty walking
- Joint pain, arthritis, and mobility limitations
- Memory lapses, confusion, or behavioral changes
- Medication complications or polypharmacy
- Poor sleep patterns and increased fatigue
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Mood changes such as loneliness or anxiety
A structured assessment helps determine whether these concerns are harmless or early signs of something that requires treatment. Early detection helps prevent hospitalizations, accidents, and worsening health conditions.
How Families Can Prepare for a Geriatric Assessment at Pro-Create
A successful assessment requires preparation. Families can support their loved ones by bringing:
- A list of medications and supplements
- Previous lab results, imaging studies, or prescriptions
- Notes about recent symptoms
- Observations about mood, sleep, and memory
- Mobility tools such as canes or walkers
A caregiver or family member is encouraged to join the consultation. Their observations often provide essential context that seniors may unknowingly overlook or forget. Dr. Marjorie also encourages families to write down any questions before the appointment so concerns are addressed thoroughly.
Preparation helps create a smoother consultation process and ensures the assessment becomes highly personalized.
Supporting Senior Wellness Beyond the Clinic
Senior wellness depends not only on medical care but also on daily habits. Dr. Marjorie supports families in developing practical routines that help seniors stay active, safe, and emotionally supported. These include:
- Simple exercises appropriate for age and mobility
- Nutritious meal planning
- Hydration habits
- Cognitive stimulation activities
- Home safety adjustments
- Proper medication organization
- Consistent sleep patterns
She also guides families on when supportive or palliative care may be appropriate. The goal is always to maintain comfort, independence, and dignity for older adults.
When to Schedule a Geriatric Assessment with Dr. Marjorie Nolasco
Families often wonder when it is the right time to seek a geriatric assessment. Early evaluation is recommended when seniors experience:
- Noticeable forgetfulness
- Repeated falls or balance problems
- Sudden mood changes
- Difficulty completing daily tasks
- Unexplained weight changes
- Complications with medication
- Chronic disease concerns
- Behavioral changes
Scheduling an assessment earlier rather than later helps prevent complications and ensures seniors receive care tailored to their evolving needs.
Supporting Senior Wellness Starts with the Right Specialist
Families looking to prioritize the well-being of their aging loved ones will find strong support at Pro-Create’s Multi-Specialty Clinic. With the expertise of Dr. Marjorie Nolasco, seniors gain access to a structured and compassionate evaluation designed to clarify their health needs and promote long-term wellness. A geriatric assessment opens the door to better health, clearer planning, and improved quality of life.
FAQ Section
1. What makes a geriatric assessment different from a regular check-up?
A geriatric assessment examines functional ability, cognitive health, emotional wellness, medications, and daily living challenges. It is deeper and more structured than a standard consultation.
2. How long does a geriatric assessment take at Pro-Create?
The duration varies depending on the senior’s needs, but most assessments take longer than regular check-ups due to comprehensive screenings.
3. Do family members need to be present?
Yes, their participation helps provide important insights and ensures coordinated care planning.
4. What tests might be required during the assessment?
Blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound may be recommended. These can be performed at Pro-Create’s Diagnostic Center for convenience.
5. How often should seniors undergo a geriatric assessment?
Most older adults benefit from yearly assessments or more frequent evaluations if major health changes occur.
6. Does Dr. Marjorie offer dementia management after diagnosis?
Yes, she provides ongoing guidance, medication planning, caregiver support, and follow-up evaluations.
7. Can Pro-Create perform diagnostic tests onsite?
Yes, the Diagnostic Center offers laboratory testing, ultrasound, and X-rays for accurate evaluation.
8. Are follow-up visits necessary?
Yes, follow-ups ensure the senior’s care plan remains effective and updated based on health changes.
9. How can families prepare for the appointment?
Bring medications, past medical records, and notes about recent changes in behavior or health.
10. Is the clinic accessible for seniors with mobility limitations?
Yes, Pro-Create is designed to accommodate seniors comfortably and safely.
