Ageing Well Starts Here: Your 75+ Health Assessment at Arkaba Medical Centre

Growing older does not have to mean giving up independence, confidence or the activities you enjoy.

For Australians aged 75 and over, a yearly health assessment gives you and your GP dedicated time to look at your overall physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

At Arkaba Medical Centre in Parkside, the 75+ Health Assessment is a proactive way to identify emerging concerns, review medications, assess mobility and falls risk, and connect you with support where needed.

Importantly, the assessment is not a one-off check. The real value comes from regular review and follow-up, so changes can be monitored, recommendations revisited and care adjusted as your needs change.

The goal is simple: to help you stay healthy, active and independent for as long as possible.

What Is a 75+ Health Assessment?

A 75+ Health Assessment is a comprehensive health review available to eligible Medicare patients aged 75 years and older.

Unlike a standard GP appointment that may focus on one concern, this assessment takes a broader look at your overall health and how you are managing day to day.

It may cover:

• current medical conditions
• medications
• blood pressure and cardiovascular health
• mobility and falls risk
• memory and cognition
• mood and emotional wellbeing
• hearing and vision
• immunisations
• nutrition
• social support
• your ability to manage everyday activities safely

Eligible patients can generally access this assessment once every 12 months, making it an important part of ongoing preventive healthcare.

Why Yearly Review and Follow-Up Matter

Many people only visit their GP when something feels wrong.

As we age, however, changes in balance, memory, hearing, medication tolerance or mobility can develop gradually. A yearly health assessment gives your GP an opportunity to identify these changes earlier and compare how you are managing from one year to the next.

Just as importantly, any concerns identified during the assessment may need follow-up.

That might include reviewing a medication change, checking whether falls have reduced, following up on blood tests, seeing how physiotherapy is progressing or reassessing a new memory or mobility concern.

The assessment is therefore the starting point, not the end point.

For many older Australians, this ongoing review is ultimately about maintaining independence.

What Happens During the Assessment?

Depending on your circumstances, part of your assessment may be completed by a practice nurse before you see your GP.

Your healthcare team may review:

• your medical history
• recent investigations
• current medications
• changes in mobility
• falls or near-falls
• memory and mood
• hearing and vision
• lifestyle and preventive health
• how you are managing at home

It is also a good opportunity to raise symptoms you might not normally discuss during a shorter appointment, such as dizziness, tiredness, memory concerns or changes in appetite.

If anything needs further attention, your GP can recommend the appropriate next step and arrange review where required.

Mobility, Falls and Home Safety

Maintaining safe movement is an important part of ageing well.

Your assessment may explore:

• walking and balance
• muscle strength
• getting in and out of chairs
• recent falls
• dizziness
• vision
• footwear
• medication side effects
• hazards around the home

If concerns are identified, your GP may recommend physiotherapy, vision assessment, medication review or other practical strategies.

Follow-up can then help determine whether those changes are working or whether further support is needed.

Reviewing Your Medications

Many older Australians take several medications each day.

During your assessment, your GP can review:

• whether each medication is still needed
• whether doses remain appropriate
• possible interactions
• side effects
• difficulties managing medicines
• vitamins and supplements

Because medications and health needs can change over time, reviewing them regularly is an important part of ongoing care.

If your medication routine is complex, your GP may also recommend a Home Medicines Review with a pharmacist.

Memory, Mood, Hearing and Vision

A 75+ Health Assessment considers more than physical health.

Your GP may ask about:

• memory changes
• concentration
• mood or anxiety
• sleep
• hearing
• eyesight
• social connection

Persistent or worsening changes are worth discussing early, as they may affect safety, confidence and quality of life.

Where concerns are identified, your GP may recommend further assessment or follow-up rather than waiting until the next annual review.

Preventive Health and Chronic Conditions

Your GP may also review whether your vaccinations and preventive care are up to date.

If you have an ongoing condition such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis or chronic pain, the assessment may identify opportunities to improve how your care is coordinated.

Where appropriate, your GP may discuss a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or referral to allied health professionals such as:

• physiotherapists
• podiatrists
• dietitians
• exercise physiologists
• occupational therapists

Ongoing review is important to see whether these supports are helping and whether your care plan needs to change.

Social Support and Ageing at Home

The assessment also considers how well you are managing in your everyday environment.

Your GP may ask about:

• who you live with
• family or social support
• transport
• shopping or household tasks
• whether you feel safe at home
• whether everyday activities are becoming harder

These needs can change gradually, which is another reason why regular review is important.

If additional support is needed, your GP can discuss appropriate community services or whether My Aged Care may be helpful.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before your assessment, consider bringing:

• a current medication and supplement list
• details of specialists you see
• information about recent falls or hospital visits
• your glasses or hearing aids
• a list of questions or concerns
• details of any difficulties you are having at home

You may also choose to bring a family member or carer.

If you have had a 75+ Health Assessment previously, think about anything that has changed since your last review and any recommendations that may need follow-up.

Ageing Well Is About More Than Medical Tests

A 75+ Health Assessment is not simply a checklist.

It is an opportunity to talk about what matters most to you, agree on any next steps and return to review how things are progressing.

That might mean continuing to garden, visiting friends, staying active, walking to the shops or remaining independent at home.

At Arkaba Medical Centre, our focus is on understanding your health in the context of your everyday life and providing ongoing care as your needs change.

Make Your 75+ Health Assessment an Annual Check-In

If you are 75 years of age or older, speak with your GP about whether you are due for your annual health assessment.

If you have already had one in the past, remember that it is not designed to be a one-off appointment. Eligible patients can generally return every 12 months for another assessment.

Just as importantly, do not wait a full year if your GP has recommended follow-up. Reviewing results, symptoms and agreed actions is an important part of making the assessment useful.

The assessment identifies what matters. Follow-up helps turn that information into better ongoing care.

Take the Next Step

Ask our team at Arkaba Medical Centre when your next 75+ Health Assessment or follow-up review is due.

More info:
Services Australia – MBS Billing for Health Assessments

This article provides general health information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Medicare eligibility, rebates and service availability may vary. Please speak with Arkaba Medical Centre or Medicare about your individual circumstances.