| Health Screening for the elderly |
 Many GP surgeries run a variety of preventive medicine clinics for the elderly. Their aim is to assess your general health and your risk of a variety of diseases common in old age, and to give advice on how to prevent them.
Many private hospitals also offer extensive health checks, including a full physical examination, blood tests and other tests, such as an ECG, chest x-ray, mammogram or DEXA, where appropriate.
Going into hospital
If your GP wants to refer you for a specific test or procedure, it's worth considering which hospital you'd like to attend.
NHS Choices has information about different hospitals online. Your GP or specialist may also be able to give you this information, as well as advice sheets for when you're discharged. Call or visit your local hospitals to see what they offer and what you can expect if you're admitted, especially if you're seeking particular specialties. Social security benefits can be affected if you're in hospital for more than four weeks. Contact your local benefit office for more details. Coming out of hospital
The elderly are known to cope less well with illness and it can take longer to get over even simple surgery.
If possible, plan ahead before you're admitted to hospital:
If hospital staff think you'll need more care when you leave hospital, they may ask the local authority to assess your needs. Treatment concerns
If you have any concerns about the treatment you've received that can't be resolved with your GP or hospital, you can contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service.
The Patients Association provides advice on your rights, access to health services, self-help groups and complaints procedures. 
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