Table 1.

Items on geriatrician checklist and patient–caregiver question prompt list

Geriatrician checklist topics

Medical conditions (previous and current)

Medications (purpose, precautions)

Red flags (physical indicators the patient should seek clinical advice)

Depression

Falls

Continence

Dementia

Behaviour

Nutrition

Discharge destination (and risks)

Decision‐making capacity (guardianship and power of attorney)

Good palliative care plan (advanced care planning)

Patient–caregivers question prompt list

The following list provides a starting point for thinking about the questions that are important to you and that you may choose to discuss with the geriatrician or another staff member.

Here are some examples of the type of questions that you may wish to ask:

I'm not sure what the best decision is for the future, in terms of living arrangements…

Some days I'm okay, other times I'm unsteady on my feet. What can I do to help this problem?

I'm worried about Dad's memory and if it's safe for him to continue living alone…

I don't know if this is normal after a stroke, but I'm concerned that Mum seems to have given up on life…

Where do I go for advice about Power of Attorney and Guardianship?