Services For 50+ Age Range

The Bloomsbury Clinic has over 1500 patients in the 50+ age range – so we are already very experienced at dealing with health issues arising in this age group – whether newly diagnosed or long-term patients. Our oldest patient is in their nineties and one patient has been living with HIV for nearly 40 years.

We estimate we will have over 3000 patients in this age bracket in ten years time so we are very much planning for the future.

There are four main challenges:

1. Complex medical care due to HIV
2. Complex care needs due to the ageing process (GP & HIV doctors)
3. Psychological and psycho-social issues due to the ageing process
4. Psychological issues due to living long-term with a chronic  manageable condition

In the Bloomsbury Clinic we offer:

• Full sexual screening service
• Contraception
• Treatment as prevention
• Psycho-sexual issues – including support for erectile dysfunction
• Emotional and Psychological support
• NCAT – Research into cognitive function and dementia
• Bone density – risk assessment and management
• Heart – cardiovascular risk assessment, management and referral
• Dermatology referrals
• Renal clinic
• Hepatitis clinic
• Check-ups for: Blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, liver, osteoporosis, diabetes,  arthritis and anaemia
• Postmenopausal support for women
• Access to research trials – including the POPPY STUDY & the PRIME STUDY for women

The Bloomsbury Clinic’s three patient representatives also offer peer support:

• The latest information about ageing with HIV
• Dealing with fears of stigma and discrimination
• Social groups
• Workshops and forums
• LIVE WELL WITH HIV courses
• Referrals for housing and benefits advice
• Insurance, pensions and financial advice
• Emergency funding, groceries and white goods
• Referrals for free osteopathy, affordable complimentary therapies and gym programme
• GPs & dentists
• Weekends away for long-term survivors
• Support for recreational drug use

For more information contact the Peer Support Workers 020 3317 5177

NAM – HIV and the Ageing Process- www.aidsmap.com

POPPY STUDY – www.poppy.org

PRIME STUDY – www.ucl.ac.uk/iph/research/sexualhealthandhiv/prime-study