1 identify different levels of assessment 2 describe the difference between subjective and objective data 3 discuss the importance of thorough assessment 4 describe appropriate methods for structuring and conducting an interview 5 identify approaches that facilitate a successful physical . Abstract older people often have multiple and complex care needs so assessing them is a highly skilled activity their health issues and care needs are sometimes summed up in catchy phrases but it is important to adopt a comprehensive multidisciplinary and patient centred approach to their assessment. 1 describe the characteristics of the aging process explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse memory issues vulnerability etc discuss the types of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle aged adult 2end of life care becomes an issue at . Evaluation of older adults usually differs from a standard medical evaluation for older patients especially those who are very old or frail history taking and physical examination may have to be done at different times and physical examination may require 2 sessions because patients become fatigued