Geriatric care Bunbury
Geriatric medicine care in Bunbury: what are your options?
When a parent or loved one reaches the stage where they need more help and support, it can feel overwhelming and you may be unsure where to start. At South West Gerontology, we provide private geriatric medicine care in Bunbury. We help you understand what geriatric medicine care is and what your options are. As private geriatricians, we can see you quickly and complete a comprehensive assessment.
Geriatric care and assessment
What does geriatric medicine care mean?
Geriatric medicine care is medical care that focuses on older adults. It is not about rushing through a list of prescriptions; it is about looking at the whole person. We use a model called the comprehensive geriatric assessment. It goes beyond a routine medical assessment and incorporates all physical, psychological, functional, social and environmental factors. These are then used to develop an integrated holistic care plan that is individualised.The aim is simple; to help your loved one stay safe, well, and independent for as long as possible. Or if the person is in a care home, to optimise their condition and ensure the best quality of life given their various conditions.
Public geriatric medicine care in Bunbury
In Bunbury, public geriatric medicine care is available through the outpatient clinics at Bunbury Regional Hospital and at the Homemakers centre next to Bunnings. If your family member or loved one is stable and does not need emergency hospital care, their GP can make a referral. The challenge is the waiting time.
Private geriatric medicine care in Bunbury
Private geriatric care offers another option. At St John of God Bunbury Specialist Centre at 114 Spencer Street, Bunbury, we can see new referrals within 2 weeks; this is sooner than the public outpatient care. In a private setting, there is more time to listen, to ask questions, and to carry out a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
This is a detailed review that covers:
- Current medical conditions and all prescribed medications
- Memory, mood, and thinking skills
- Mobility, walking, and risk of falls
- Ability to manage day-to-day tasks such as cooking, dressing, and shopping
The home environment and support network
Once we have a full overview, we create a personalised plan. For example, we may adjust medications, suggest lifestyle changes, or link with community services. As a family, you’re part of all steps so the plan feels realistic and supportive.
When aged care services come into play
Sometimes the assessment shows that additional support is necessary. This is where the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), a government service, becomes important. ACAT staff visit your loved one, review their needs, discuss their recommendations with you and your loved one and inform you of the most appropriate level of support; from help at home to residential aged care.The time from this recommendation to actually receiving the support can take several months depending on the complexity of the support required.
For guidance on fees and funding, we encourage families to check My Aged Care and speak with providers, as costs can vary.
Planning ahead: home or care home
Families often ask if we help with decisions about care homes. The answer is yes. If your loved one is coping well with in-home support, a care home may not be needed immediately. But for progressive conditions like dementia, we often recommend starting to look at options early. That means visiting facilities, understanding costs, and being prepared for the future.
The role of lifestyle in geriatric medicine care
Geriatric medicine care is not only about medical tests and services. Lifestyle choices make a big difference to wellbeing. We often recommend:
- Being active: even short walks can improve strength and reduce falls.
- Eating a balanced diet supports both body and mind.
- Keeping the brain busy with puzzles, reading, or new hobbies.
- Socialising: regular time with family or friends boosts mood and reduces loneliness.
- Small changes like this can transform day-to-day life.
You can tune into Bunbury community radio FM103.7 every fortnight Thursday at 11.30am to listen to Dr Asan Akpan discuss healthy ageing topics and you can text in your comments at 0448 057 916.
Geriatric care Bunbury
Why we do what we do
At South West Gerontology, based at St John of God Bunbury Hospital, we have chosen to focus on private geriatric medicine care because it allows us to see people quickly and give them the time they deserve. We want to know the person, hear their story, and create a plan that makes sense for them and their family.
Between us (Dr Otaiku and Dr Akpan), we have decades of experience in the UK and Australia. But experience is only useful when it is applied with care and compassion. That is why we offer services such as Dementia and Parkinson’s disease diagnoses and management, falls and frailty management, medication reviews, perioperative care, and mental capacity assessments. We also provide telehealth and care home visits.
What can you do next?
As private geriatricians, we see every day how the right care can restore confidence and independence. If you are worried about your loved one, the first step may be a comprehensive geriatric assessment. This will give you answers, a clear plan, and peace of mind.