The Silver Clinic (Frailty)

A new approach to the management of people living with HIV who are affected by geriatric syndromes

The Silver Clinic

The Silver Clinic is a new approach for the assessment and management of people ageing with HIV. People living with HIV(PLWH) who are growing older may become affected by multiple health conditions (multi-morbidity), frailty, be taking lots of different medications (polypharmacy), reduced mobility, social isolation and falls. The clinic aims to support PLWH to age well with HIV.

What we provide

A comprehensive, patient-centred assessment and management plan.
Multidisciplinary evaluation and consultation from an HIV physician, a consultant geriatrician, a specialist HIV nurse. With input from a specialist pharmacist.
The clinic aims to complete a comprehensive geriatric assessment and generate a management plan and onward referral where necessary.
Continued in-person or virtual support.

Who is eligible?

The clinic is available to all PLWH in the South-East of England who are experiencing frailty, have multi morbidity, falls or polypharmacy. The referring team can expect support with diagnosing and /or management. have geriatric syndromes where the referring team would like help with diagnosis and/or management.

If you are a patient and would like to be referred, please speak to your HIV physician or nurse. We accept referrals from any healthcare professional involved in the patients care.

What to expect?

You will undergo a thorough and personalized assessment including questionnaires and physical assessments (blood pressure, walking speed, hand grip) and blood tests to understand your unique medical history, current health status, and specific needs related to ageing with HIV.
The Clinic adopts a holistic approach to care, taking into account not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. This means addressing not only HIV management but also considering your mental health, lifestyle, and social support.
A team of healthcare professionals, including HIV specialists, geriatricians, nurses, pharmacists and other specialists, collaboratively will work together to ensure that all aspects of your health are addressed during the consultation
The clinic specializes in managing multiple chronic conditions that commonly affect older individuals with HIV. The team will work to develop tailored treatment plans for you to address these conditions effectively.
Considering the need to take multiple medications, including ARTs, the Clinic will provide guidance on medication management to ensure proper adherence and minimize potential interactions.
For patients experiencing difficulties with mobility and falls, the clinic offers specialized support and interventions to enhance your safety and independence
Regular health check-ups and monitoring will be scheduled to track the patient’s progress, identify any new health concerns, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
You will receive educational resources and support on various aspects, such as lifestyle modifications, nutrition, mental health, and coping strategies to navigate the challenges of ageing with HIV.

Resources

Please download our leaflet for patients. This will provide details to those planning on attending the clinic on what to expect on the day, who to bring along, how they should prepare for the assessments.

Silver Clinic Leaflet