History From an Older Patient Introduction. Have there been any recent problems that you are worried about? If yes: The duration of the symptoms. Whether they are getting better or worse. What treatment if nay has been tried. How much do these interfere with their life. E.g. ADLs -> ability to leave the house etc. Whether there has been a discussion with the patient’s doctor about the prognosis. Inquire about past history Past medial history. Have they had to be admitted to hospital because of any these? Did you need any operations in the past? What were they? Where were they at? Immunisation status esp. Pneumococcus Influenza COVID-19 Tetanus Varicella zoster. Ask about medications history What medications they are on? Who prescribed it? Why are there on it? Dosage? Have they helped? Have they caused any side effects? Inquire about polypharmacy. Smoking What do smoke? How much? How long for? Exercise Usually safe in the elderly Improves flexibility Improves balance Improves endurance. Improves strength. What kind of activities do they do? How often do they do it? For how long do they do it? For how long have they been doing it for? Living arrangements Ask if someone is their help? How do they live with? Assess vulnerability Abuse and neglect can be a problem in this age group. Do they feel safe where they live? Have there been any problems that make them feel unsafe that they would like to talk about? Review systems: Vision Problems Surgery e.g. cataract surgery. Hearing How is your hearing? Have you got hearing aids? Do they help? Eating Do you have denatures ? -> do they give you trouble when you eat? Are there certain things that you cannot eat? How do you manage about that? Have you been to the dentist recently? Weight Have you lost any weight recently How much? Have you lost your appetite? Is it difficult for you eating? Bowels Have you had any constipation or diarrhea problems? How difficult does that make things for you? Urinary problems Do you need to wear pads because you have difficulty to control your bladder? Do they help? Have you had any tests to look into this problem? Do you have urinary retention? If it is male -> any prostate issues and symptoms? Falls Ask falls questions Are there any symptoms of depression -> common issue in the elderly and needs to be recognised and treated.