University of Minnesota
 A Geriatric Home Visit Experience

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stethoscopeThree types of health promotion activities should be included in assessment of the elderly: disease prevention, cancer screening, and health maintenance. The value of these activities remains significant or even increases as a person ages. Preventable diseases such as influenza or pneumoccocal pneumonia can lead to death in the elderly. Over 50% of most common forms of cancer present in the elderly. Losses in health due to poor maintenance have relatively large impacts on quality of life for the elderly.


Dr. Ratner demonstrates how to get started:

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Typical question for disease prevention:

Did you receive a flu shot this winter? If not, why not?

Typical question for cancer screening:

Have you ever been tested for colon cancer, where they look inside with a lighted tube?

Typical question for health maintenance:

Have you visited a dentist in the past year?

There are a number of reasons seniors don't follow
all health care recommendations:

photo: Senior A

video link [:53] audio link

photo: Senior B

video link [:29] audio link


Go to next page: Environmental Assessment

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University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Seniors as Teachers Program

Date of last revision: December 17, 2001

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