Health and medicines
The team may review diagnoses, symptoms, prescription and non-prescription medicines, adherence, side effects and interactions. Bring the actual medicines or a current pharmacy list if requested.
Older-adult care navigation
Find geriatric care and seniors’ services
Regional assessment programs, referral pathways and home-care starting points.
Answer firstLast checked: September 24, 2026
Geriatric services may help older adults with memory changes, falls, frailty, functional decline or challenges involving several medicines and conditions. Many assessment clinics require a referral. Home and community care may allow contact from individuals, families and care teams, subject to consent and eligibility.
When specialized geriatric care may help
Older adults often have several concerns that affect one another. A medicine that helps one condition may worsen balance or alertness. Memory changes may affect medication use, driving, meals or appointments. Falls may involve strength, vision, blood pressure, home hazards and medicines rather than one single diagnosis. Specialized geriatric services look at these interactions and help the patient, caregivers and primary-care team build a coordinated plan.
Common reasons for referral include unexplained functional decline, repeated falls, frailty, complex medication regimens, memory or thinking changes, caregiver stress and difficulty managing several health conditions. Program criteria differ. Age alone does not determine eligibility, and a referral does not mean that every patient needs long-term specialist follow-up.
Start with the right level of care
Primary care is usually the first place to discuss gradual changes. A family doctor or nurse practitioner can review medicines, examine possible causes, order appropriate tests and decide whether a specialized referral is needed. Ontario Health atHome can assess home and community service needs. Hospital geriatric clinics may focus on complex assessment and recommendations. Community programs may support exercise, caregiver education, meals, transportation or social connection.
For a sudden change in awareness, new weakness, severe shortness of breath, a serious fall injury or another emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a routine geriatric appointment. A sudden change in confusion may have an urgent medical cause and deserves prompt clinical assessment.
What a comprehensive assessment can include
Memory, mood and function
Assessment may consider thinking, mood, daily tasks, nutrition, continence, sleep, driving and the ability to manage safely at home. Tests depend on the referral question.
Mobility and supports
Falls, gait, strength, assistive devices, home setup, caregiver capacity and community supports may be reviewed. Recommendations should reflect the older adult’s priorities.
Non-Aafiyat options in Peel
Trillium Health Partners Seniors’ Health Clinic
The official page describes outpatient geriatric assessment at Credit Valley Hospital, 2200 Eglinton Avenue West in Mississauga. Confirm the current age, catchment, referral form and clinical criteria before sending records.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Trillium Health Partners Geriatric Outreach
The outreach service publishes information about comprehensive assessment for eligible older adults in the community. Confirm whether the program covers the patient’s address and who may initiate a referral.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Mississauga Health Seniors Navigation
This local navigation program connects eligible older adults in Mississauga and Malton with health and community resources. It is a navigation service, not an emergency line or a guaranteed geriatric consultation.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Non-Aafiyat options in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Wellington Specialized Geriatric Services
The regional program coordinates specialized geriatric care across Waterloo Wellington. Use its current program and referral information to determine which service fits the person’s needs.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Waterloo Regional Health Network geriatric referral
The regional hospital information describes referral concerns such as cognitive impairment, falls, polypharmacy, functional decline and frailty. Confirm the current form, required information and clinic site.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Cambridge Memorial Hospital seniors services
Cambridge Memorial Hospital directs specialized geriatric referrals through the Waterloo Wellington regional pathway. Confirm current access instructions and telephone numbers through the official page.
[VERIFY] Confirm current eligibility, referral rules and availability with the program.Home and community care
Ontario Health atHome assesses eligibility for publicly funded home and community services and can provide information and referral support. Services are based on assessment and availability. With the older adult’s consent, a patient, family member or care professional can ask about the process. Home care does not replace emergency services or all ongoing primary care.
Prepare the person’s address, health-card information for the official care service, current supports and a clear description of the help being requested. Do not send this information to Aafiyat Outreach Centre. Our site provides navigation links only.
Prepare for the appointment
- Bring a current medicine and pharmacy list, including non-prescription products.
- Write down changes in memory, mood, mobility, appetite, sleep, falls and daily activities.
- Bring glasses, hearing aids, mobility devices and requested records.
- Ask who should attend and how caregiver information can be shared with consent.
- Record the plan, follow-up responsibilities and which clinician will coordinate care.
A useful plan should identify practical next steps, not just diagnoses. Ask which recommendations go back to primary care, which program will arrange follow-up and who to contact if the situation changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a geriatric assessment?
It is a broad assessment of an older adult that may consider medical conditions, medicines, memory, mood, mobility, function, supports and goals. The exact team and scope vary by program.
Do geriatric clinics require a referral?
Many hospital and specialized geriatric clinics require a clinician referral. Home and community care pathways may also accept contact from a patient or family member with consent.
Is a geriatrician the same as a family doctor?
No. A geriatrician is a physician with expertise in complex care of older adults. Primary care remains important for ongoing care, prevention and coordination.
Can caregivers participate?
Often, yes, with the older adult’s consent or according to applicable substitute-decision rules. Ask the program what information and attendance arrangements are appropriate.
What should I bring to an assessment?
Bring an up-to-date medication list, mobility aids, glasses or hearing aids, requested records and a concise list of changes in memory, falls, function or safety.
What if there is an immediate safety concern?
Use an urgent or emergency service appropriate to the situation. A routine geriatric referral is not an emergency pathway. Call 911 for an emergency.
Important: Information only, not medical advice. For emergencies call 911. For health advice call Health811 (811).