Elderly Comprehensive Assessment Clinic

Elder care is a particular challenge on the Navajo Reservation. As we age, our medical problems often grow more complex. Social challenges, such as not having a ride to the doctor, may interfere with good health. Language and culture are also barriers to adequate health care. Tuba City’s Elderly Comprehensive Assessment Clinic offers one-day intervention using a culturally-sensitive team approach to the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the elders.

Team members include Navajo and Hopi translators, physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, audiologists, optometrists, dentists, public health nurses and pharmacists who specialize in geriatric care.

Members of the assessment team meet with each patient and caregiver to discuss:

  • Specific patient or caregiver concerns
  • Health history
  • Medications
  • Diet
  • Social support and resources
  • Memory
  • Mood
  • Daily functioning

Some patients will come to the clinic for a single consultation. Others may return for follow-up visits or continuing care. Patients receive:

  • Home assessments by the Public Health Nurse
  • Transportation from Safe Ride (as needed)
  • A thorough physical examination
  • Suggestions for treatments, medication, nutrition, activities, and resources to meet each person's needs
  • Laboratory tests, EKG’s, X-Rays
  • Durable Medical Equipment from Assist! To Independence (as needed)
  • Preventive health and wellness suggestions
  • Information about support services and long-term care
  • Referrals to specialists or community services (as needed)

Please ask your Primary Care Provider to refer you to the geriatric clinic or call Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation’s Family Medicine Department at (928)-283-2458 for an appointment.

 

Be prepared for your appointment:

  • This is an all-day event (8am to 5pm).  Come in fasting, please do not eat or drink anything after midnight.  No coffee, juice, pop or chewing gum. You may take water with your medication. You will be provided breakfast and lunch.
  • Bring your care giver and a family member.
  • Bring all medications that you are currently taking, including vitamins and herbs.
  • Bring your dentures, eye glasses, hearing aids and ambulation equipment (cane, walker, and/or wheelchair).