Overview
This specialised 20-bed unit supports older people to regain functional abilities, such as balancing and walking, and the confidence to return to their former lifestyle.
Together with patients, their family and carers, the care team agrees on individual goals for each person to achieve during their stay in the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit.
The aim of the unit is to enable you to live as independently as possible.
We also offer:
- Transitional Aged Care Program (inpatient and community)
- Community Therapy Unit (outpatient clinics)
- Aged Care Assessment Team.
Getting here
Find us at:
550 Poole Street
Albury, NSW, 2640
Albury New South Wales 2640
For more information on getting here, visit Mercy Health Albury .
Location details
Level 3
On-site signage and indicators
Look for the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit signs on-site.
How can people get access?
Main entrance access is through the automatic doors at the front of the facility.
Before 8am and after 7pm, you will need to press the ‘communication button’ to the right of the door. Nursing staff will speak with you via a speaker before opening the automatic doors.
Opening hours
24-hour service
Your appointment
What to do before
You will be contacted by a staff member with your admission date and time.
What to bring
Please bring to your appointment:
- a list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes/packaging), including medicines you have bought without a prescription such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- your Medicare card
- your healthcare card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- your private health insurance card (if you have one)
- glasses, hearing aid and walking frame (these must be clearly labelled)
- nightwear, comfortable clothes, firm and well-fitting footwear, and toiletries.
What to expect on the day
You will be welcomed to the ward by staff, who will ask a series of questions about your admission.
More information
Team Composition
Throughout your experience, you may be supported by:
- consultant geriatricians
- medical staff
- registered nurses
- enrolled nurses
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- dietitians
- social workers
- pastoral carers
- speech therapists (as required)
- podiatrists (as required)
- hairdressers (as required).
Discharge information
Staff will discuss your stay with you, including your estimated discharge date.
Additional support
When you are being discharged from our unit, staff will give you a list of any services and appointments you will need following your stay. Our staff will make an appointment for you with your general practitioner (GP) to follow up on your care.
Who to call if you have concerns afterwards
If you have any questions about your stay please call the Geriatric Evaluation and Management unit and speak to one of our staff. If you feel unwell and believe you are getting worse, please call your doctor or attend the nearest emergency department.
For health professionals
The Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit supports older people who are medically unwell and unable to care for themselves safely.
This specialised 20-bed service assists older people to regain functional abilities such as balancing and walking, and the confidence to return to their former lifestyle.
Together with patients, their family and carers, the care team agrees on goals for each person to achieve during their stay in the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit.
Procedural information
The aim of the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit is to enable people to live as independently as possible.
This is achieved by:
- stabilising their medical condition
- participating in comprehensive medical assessment
- developing therapy programs tailored to each person’s abilities.
The Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit offers:
- a team approach to identifying healthcare issues and management
- functional rehabilitation programs tailored to each person’s ability
- equipment information
- continence programs
- referral to medical specialists and other health professionals
- medication management
- nutrition and dietary services
- family and carer meetings
- liaison with community support services
- discharge planning.
How to prepare the patient
Admission of an older person into the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit unit allows immediate specialist treatment.
The final decision to admit to the unit is at the discretion of the consultant geriatrician, who will also advise on priority for transfer, based on patient needs.
The Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit focuses on the older person who can achieve some reversal of their functional decline as a result of an acute or chronic illness. We offer personalised treatment, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that focus on the diseases associated with ageing.
Within the unit, patients are encouraged to dress in day clothes; sit out of bed; eat meals out of bed and with others; attend to their own personal care, including the use of a toilet rather than a bed pan or commode; and participate in group or individual activities to improve their level of function.
What/when you should refer to us
A person should be referred to the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit when comprehensive multidisciplinary medical assessments are required for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that focus on diseases associated with ageing.
Timely admission of the patient into the unit will ensure they receive immediate specialist treatment to prevent further functional decline.
What/when you should not refer to us
Do not refer to the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit if your patient is medically unstable and requires acute care.
Additional contact details
GEM Unit
Mercy Health Albury
Phone: 02 6042 1408
Fax: 02 6042 1487
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