We are pleased to offer specialist Geriatric Assessments for patients aged 65 years and over at our Torquay Clinic.
These assessments are conducted by Dr Cassandra Chong and a qualified nurse, a highly experienced General Practitioner with expertise in managing complex health issues affecting older adults. Dr Chong provides comprehensive evaluations that take into account physical health, memory and cognition, emotional wellbeing, medications, and overall functional ability.
Appointments are available on alternating Wednesdays at our Torquay location.
A Geriatric assessment is a detailed review tailored for older adults, focusing on:
The goal is to support healthy ageing, improve quality of life, and provide guidance for both patients and their families.
This assessment is ideal for individuals aged 65 years and over who:
Banksia Medical Centre provides specialised Geriatric Assessments at its Torquay clinic for patients aged 65 years and over. These comprehensive assessments are conducted by an experienced GP, Dr Cassandra Chong, together with a qualified nurse. The review focuses on areas such as memory and cognitive function, chronic disease management, medication review (including reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy), falls and mobility concerns, and mental health. The aim is to support healthy ageing and help patients maintain their wellbeing as their needs change.
Banksia Medical Centre Torquay clinic is convenient for residents of Torquay, Jan Juc, Bellbrae, Breamlea, Connewarre, Freshwater Creek, Mount Duneed, Armstrong Creek, Barwon Heads, Leopold, and Ocean Grove. Our Newcomb clinic can serve patients from Newcomb, East Geelong, Moolap, Thomson, Whittington, St Albans Park, Breakwater, Newtown, Belmont, Charlemont, and South Geelong.
Dr. Cassandra Chong is a General Practitioner with over 20 years of practice in the medical field. She holds a Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and is currently enhancing her expertise in geriatrics by completing the RCPI Professional Diploma in Geriatric Medicine and the Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, both of which she is set to finish in March 2025.
Dr. Chong has a special interest in geriatric care and mental health, with a deep commitment to helping her patients improve their lives. She is passionate about empowering individuals with actionable advice and information, providing them with the tools they need to take charge of their health and well-being.
Her clinical areas of interest include:
Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Chong enjoys cooking, baking, and listening to music. She also loves interacting with children and motivating them. Dr. Chong is married and a proud mother of two boys, and she values the balance between family life and her dedication to patient care.
Dr. Chong’s commitment to ongoing education and patient empowerment ensures that she provides the best possible care for her patients, with a holistic approach to health and wellness
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A geriatric assessment (often called a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, CGA) is a structured, multi-domain review of an older person’s medical, functional, cognitive, psychological and social needs, leading to a coordinated care plan.
It’s designed for older adults—especially those with frailty, multiple conditions, memory concerns, falls, or medication complexity—to help maintain independence and safety.
History and exam, falls and mobility review, medication and polypharmacy check, memory/mood screening, nutrition, continence, daily living tasks, social supports, and a home/environment discussion—with referrals as needed.
Related but not identical. The 75+ Health Assessment is a Medicare health check with defined MBS items done yearly in general practice; a CGA is broader and may be delivered by a multidisciplinary team or geriatrician when clinically indicated.
Yes—if your GP performs a 75+ Health Assessment (time-tiered MBS items) and/or standard GP/specialist consults as appropriate. Exact rebates depend on item used and length/complexity. Ask reception when booking.
Allow longer than a standard appointment (often 40–60+ minutes, sometimes in parts with the nurse and GP). Complex cases may need follow-ups. (Time frames vary by clinic and item rules.)
Yes—bringing a support person helps with history, goals and planning, and is encouraged for shared decision-making. (Standard practice in geriatric care.)
A current medication list, recent test results, glasses/hearing aids, care plans, and details of community supports. If you have advance care documents, bring copies. (Best-practice preparation.)
If needed, your GP can discuss referral to the national Single Assessment System for government-funded aged-care supports (this system is replacing ACAT/ACAS nationally; in Victoria, ACAS is transitioning to SAS).
They’re typically done in your home by an assessor who organises a time with you and your carer. It’s free.
Some parts (history, medication review, care planning) can be via video/phone when appropriate; your GP will advise if an in-person exam is safer (e.g., for mobility or cognition testing).
You’ll receive a written plan (e.g., referrals, tests, therapy/exercise, medication changes, falls prevention steps) and a follow-up timeframe. A copy goes to your usual care team for coordination.
No—memory is just one domain. CGA is also for falls, frailty, medication safety, mood, carer strain, and planning supports to stay well at home.
Victoria historically used ACAS (Aged Care Assessment Service); other states used ACAT. A new Single Assessment System (SAS) is now replacing these across Australia.
If you’ve had cold or flu symptoms in the last 7 days and are interested in participating
