ABSTRACT
Be mindful of the following mnemonic when taking a history from an older patient:
O ‘Old dear’ stereotyping is to be avoided – be respectful
L Lighting should be optimised to make your face more visible, avoid light glare
D Dentures, eyeglasses and hearing aids, if usually worn, should be used
E Extra time may be needed
R Reliability of the history may need to be determined with a Mental state examination (MSE), may require a collateral history
A Activities of daily living (ADLs), able to cope at home?
N Nutrition history including type, quantity, frequency 1
D Depression, loneliness
W Weight loss (intentional or unintentional)
I Increased rate of urination, nocturia, dysuria 2
S Social history/social supports/care givers
E Episodes of dizziness, falls
R Roids (haemorrhoids), indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, melaena, PR bleeds
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