Geriatric and Memory

As we grow older, health rarely becomes simpler. LivingCare's consultant-led geriatric medicine and memory service in Sheffield assesses older adults as a whole person - memory, mobility, medication, mood and frailty together - with fast access and no GP referral needed.

An Introduction to Geriatric and Memory Services at LivingCare in Sheffield

Memory difficulties, falls, dizziness, frailty, Parkinson's disease, medication concerns and multiple long-term conditions often develop alongside one another, interacting in ways that are difficult for any single speciality to fully address.

Geriatric medicine is the speciality built for exactly this kind of complexity. A geriatrician is a consultant trained to assess the whole person - considering physical health, cognition, medications, mobility, mood and independence together, rather than treating each problem in isolation. This structured, whole-person approach is known as a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a recognised way of reviewing older people's medical, functional, social and psychological needs together [3]. It is what makes geriatric medicine so valuable, and so different from a standard outpatient appointment with a single-speciality consultant.

At LivingCare, we offer a comprehensive private geriatric medicine and memory service at our clinic at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield. Our team gives older adults and their families fast, consultant-led access to specialist assessment - without long waits, and with no GP referral needed. Whether you are worried about memory changes, struggling with recurrent falls, or simply finding that your health has become harder to manage, we are here to help you get answers and a clear plan.

Why Choose LivingCare for Private Geriatric and Memory Care in Sheffield?

Our Sheffield consultants combine specialist experience in geriatric medicine with the time to look at the full picture. Rather than treating each problem in isolation, we bring cognition, mobility, medication, mood and frailty into a single, coordinated assessment - the whole-person CGA approach that sits at the heart of the service.

Memory changes and repeated falls can be frightening for patients and families alike, so we meet those worries with calm, plain answers and act quickly. Appointments are usually available within a few days, with no GP referral needed and self-pay access. Home visits are offered across Sheffield and the surrounding area, and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. After each assessment, our consultant shares a clear written report and a practical, prioritised plan with you and, with your consent, your GP.

When You Should Consider a Geriatric or Memory Assessment

A specialist assessment may help if you or a family member has noticed:

• Memory loss or cognitive changes affecting daily life. Around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, a figure projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040, and more than a third of people affected do not yet have a diagnosis [1].
• Recurrent falls, unsteadiness or persistent dizziness. Every year, more than one in three people over 65 have a fall [2].
• Growing frailty, unintentional weight loss or reduced strength and appetite.
• Tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement or a change in walking pattern that could suggest Parkinson's disease.
• Multiple long-term conditions being managed by several different specialists, or a recent deterioration in health that has not been fully explained.
• Concerns about managing at home safely.

You do not need a diagnosis to book. If you are unsure which assessment is right, our team can help you decide at the point of booking.

Geriatric and Memory Services in Sheffield

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

A structured, whole-person review for older adults with complex, interacting health problems. It considers physical health, cognition, medications, mood, mobility and home environment together, then sets out a clear, prioritised plan shared with you, your family and your GP. Read more about the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.

Memory Assessment and Dementia Diagnosis

A thorough, consultant-led evaluation of memory loss and cognitive change, using formal testing alongside mood, medication and frailty review. Where possible you receive a clear diagnosis and a written report - though not every assessment leads to a dementia diagnosis, and ruling one out is a valuable outcome too. Read more about the memory assessment and dementia diagnosis.

Parkinson's Disease and Movement Assessment

Specialist assessment of tremor, stiffness, slowness and changes to walking or balance. Our consultants weigh motor and non-motor symptoms, current medication and wider health together to reach a diagnosis and a personalised management plan. Read more about the Parkinson's disease and movement assessment.

Stroke and TIA Review

Prompt specialist review after a suspected or previous transient ischaemic attack (a mini-stroke) or stroke. The focus is on assessing vascular risk, reviewing medication and planning secondary prevention to reduce the chance of a further event. Read more about the stroke and TIA review.

Dizziness, Balance and Falls Assessment

A multifactorial assessment for recurrent falls, unsteadiness and persistent dizziness. We look for all the contributing factors - from blood pressure and medication to balance and bone health - and build a practical plan to reduce risk and rebuild confidence. Read more about the dizziness, balance and falls assessment.

Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture Assessment

Expert review of bone health and fracture risk, using validated tools such as FRAX and integrated with falls prevention. We discuss treatment options and arrange DEXA bone-density scanning by referral where it is needed. Read more about the osteoporosis and fragility fracture assessment.

References

1. Alzheimer's Society - How many people have dementia in the UK?: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-many-people-have-dementia-uk
2. NHS England - Frailty resources: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/older-people/frailty/frailty-resources/
3. British Geriatrics Society - Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: https://www.bgs.org.uk/CGA