Palliative Care & Geriatrics
Age Positively Clinic
Massachussets General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Boston,
MA
02114
Explore This Treatment Program
Overview
The Massachusetts General Hospital Age Positively Clinic is a partnership with Geriatric Medicine. Patients living with HIV can experience age-related health concerns earlier than the general population, putting them at risk for cognitive and functional decline. Geriatricians are medical providers who help to optimize patients’ physical and cognitive function, minimize fragmentation in care delivery, and ensure patient-aligned care.
About the Program
People living with HIV can experience age-related health concerns 10-15 year earlier than the general population. Early interventions to assist with optimizing physical and cognitive function can set the stage for a positive aging experience.
The program offers a Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment for persons living with HIV who are age 50 or older. In collaboration with your HIV provider, the Geriatrics Team will assist with addressing the following topics:
- Physical function
- Cognitive/memory concerns
- Medication management
- Coordination of care among multiple specialists
- Clarifying goals of care and what matter most for the person at this stage of life
- Caregiver stress
- Aging in place
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I meet with the Geriatrics Team?
Your appointment will be approximately 90 minutes in length. The Geriatric provider will explore your physical and cognitive function and any challenges you may be experiencing in caring for yourself or others. Additionally, they will conduct a thorough medication review to look for opportunities to simplify or optimize your medications. Lastly, the Geriatrics provider will ask you to identify what matters most to you moving forward at this age of your life. Together, you will create a roadmap for this phase of your life.
How often will I see the Geriatrics Team?
For some patients, a visit with the Geriatrics team is a one-time visit. If there are ongoing concerns, you may be recommended to have follow-up visits.
How can I get a visit with the Age Positively Program?
To participate in the Age Positively Clinic, please speak with your HIV provider who can make a referral.
About Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine
The Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital offers a wide range of clinical expertise including inpatient services, outpatient programs and home-based programs. Our palliative care clinicians provide relief from pain and symptoms during a serious illness, while our geriatricians provide multidisciplinary care to patients that are 65 and older.