Clinical Framework
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
The gold standard in elderly patient evaluation. CGA is a multidimensional, interdisciplinary assessment process that identifies medical, psychosocial, and functional limitations to develop a coordinated plan for treatment and follow-up.
What is Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment?
CGA goes beyond standard medical evaluation by examining the whole person across multiple domains: physical health, mental health, functional ability, and social circumstances. This holistic approach has been shown to improve outcomes including survival, cognitive function, and quality of life for elderly patients.
Elderwise brings the principles of CGA to everyday caregiving by enabling structured observation logging that maps to clinical assessment domains, making it possible for family caregivers to contribute meaningful data to the clinical picture.
Evidence-Based Outcomes
Reduced mortality and improved functional outcomes in hospitalized patients
Better cognitive and physical outcomes in community-dwelling elderly
Fewer unnecessary hospital readmissions and emergency visits
Increased likelihood of living at home after hospital discharge
Assessment Domains
CGA evaluates elderly patients across four interconnected domains for a complete picture of health and well-being.
Physical Health
Evaluation of medical conditions, medications, nutrition, pain, sensory function, and physical symptoms. Includes review of chronic disease management and preventive health.
Assessed through: medical history, medication review, physical examination, nutritional screening.
Mental Health
Screening for cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Cognitive assessment is a cornerstone of CGA and informs care planning across all domains.
Assessed through: cognitive screening (MMSE, MoCA), mood assessment (GDS), behavioral observation.
Functional Ability
Assessment of ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Functional status is a key predictor of outcomes in elderly patients.
Assessed through: ADL/IADL scales (Barthel, Lawton), gait and balance testing, falls risk assessment.
Social Circumstances
Review of living situation, social support network, caregiver burden, financial resources, and environmental safety. Social factors significantly impact health outcomes and care planning.
Assessed through: social history, caregiver interview, home environment assessment, support network evaluation.
Benefits of AI-Assisted CGA
Elderwise brings CGA principles to everyday care through AI-powered tools.
Continuous Data Collection
Daily caregiver observations build a rich longitudinal dataset that traditional periodic assessments cannot match.
Structured Clinical Summaries
AI converts caregiver observations into structured reports mapped to CGA domains, saving clinician time and improving assessment quality.
Evidence-Based Approach
Built on validated geriatric assessment methodology, ensuring that AI recommendations are grounded in clinical evidence.
Putting CGA Into Everyday Practice
CGA is most effective when assessment findings are converted into practical routines for caregivers, clinicians, and care coordinators—not left as one-time documentation.
Standardize observations
Use shared templates for cognition, function, and social context so changes are comparable across time and across different caregivers.
Close the feedback loop
Review trends with clinicians regularly, update care goals, and ensure every intervention has clear follow-up responsibilities.
Plan for continuity
When care settings change, maintain a longitudinal view so new teams can act quickly with full context.
Bring CGA Principles to Your Care Practice
Whether you are a clinician, caregiver, or care organization, Elderwise helps you apply comprehensive geriatric assessment methodology to improve elderly care outcomes.