Clinic for Internal Medicine
In acute geriatrics, we are particularly dedicated to the elderly and very elderly. We offer a holistic treatment concept in an interprofessional team. Our care goes beyond organ-specific illnesses and also takes into account and treats psychological, functional and social aspects.
Older people are highly vulnerable and usually suffer from several illnesses at the same time. If they are hospitalised due to illness or an accident, they are particularly at risk of suffering complications and losing their mobility and independence due to the loss of their normal habits and environment. They are therefore dependent on comprehensive care.
Comprehensive support
Our main goal in acute geriatric treatment is to ensure that functionality is maintained and to avoid or minimise the need for care. The focus is on autonomy and quality of life. Depending on the situation, we also prioritise the planning and sensitive support of end-of-life phases.
Our holistic care in acute geriatric rehabilitation
Your stay usually lasts two weeks, or one or three weeks in exceptional cases. As an acute geriatric patient, you have access to all our medical services at all times. The costs of your comprehensive early geriatric rehabilitation treatment are covered by your health insurance.
The APN Nursing Specialist – your partner in achieving your care goals
Our APN geriatric nursing specialist works closely with the interprofessional team to help you achieve your personal goals. In family meetings, we work together to set goals for your stay and make long-term plans. We plan your discharge together with you and your relatives to ensure optimal follow-up care from Spitex and other organisations.
Activating care
Our well-coordinated geriatric team specialises in activity-based care. We set individual care goals, placing particular emphasis on a structured daily routine and on maintaining and promoting your independence. Your independence is supported through targeted activities – particularly with regard to personal hygiene, getting dressed and mobility. Another key element of our holistic approach is your participation in lunch with other patients.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy team focuses primarily on your mobility, with the aim of ensuring you return to your familiar surroundings feeling stronger and more confident. We provide professional support, advice and training during your stay to help you achieve this goal. To this end, we make use of the entire hospital premises as well as our fitness room in the therapy centre, which is equipped with all the necessary apparatus. If required, we also carry out an individual assessment regarding assistive devices.
Occupational Therapy
In occupational therapy, we focus on the everyday activities that are important to you as an individual, with the aim of enhancing your independence and quality of life. We concentrate on self-care, household tasks, fall prevention, fine motor skills and memory. In addition, we discuss assistive devices to make your daily life easier and practise using them together with you. The assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders are also part of our occupational therapy services.
Nutritional therapy
Our specialist nutritionist will assess your individual nutritional status and, together with you and your family, optimise your diet during your stay in hospital. We will also discuss a meal plan tailored to your specific needs for when you return home.
Social Support
Illnesses and accidents can often lead to challenging or unexpected life situations. Our social counselling team is on hand to provide support and advice to you and your family members throughout your stay. Together, we will address financial, legal and psychosocial issues.
Our interprofessional team also includes pastoral carers and, where necessary, psychologists. At the start of your stay, our various specialists will carry out a comprehensive assessment to draw up a personalised treatment plan for you.
Your specialists for acute geriatrics
Ellen Schönherr
Head physician, Internal Medicine
Spital Zollikerberg
Departement Notfall- und Akutmedizin
Innere Medizin
Trichtenhauserstrasse 20
8125 Zollikerberg
David Emanuel Wirth
Senior physician i.V., Internal Medicine
Spital Zollikerberg
Departement Notfall- und Akutmedizin
Innere Medizin
Trichtenhauserstrasse 20
8125 Zollikerberg