Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist experienced in working with older patients
- Format
- video consultation with the patient and relatives
- Duration
- first session 50–60 minutes, follow-ups as planned
- Confidentiality
- the consultation is confidential; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- sudden confusion, weakness in an arm, slurred speech — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- an understanding of what is causing the changes, plus a treatment and care plan
What you should know
Adult children often reach out: “Mom has started forgetting to turn off the stove,” “Dad hardly gets out of bed since his wife died,” “Grandma doesn’t recognize the apartment at night.” You message us on WhatsApp, describe what has changed, and choose a time that suits the older person — usually in the morning, when they are more alert. The link is sent to you, and you help your loved one join from a tablet or phone. There is no need to take them to a clinic, help them down the stairs, or wait in line.
The doctor speaks unhurriedly and respectfully. First with the patient, if possible: about how they feel, their sleep, mood, and memory. Then with the relatives: when the changes began, how they progressed, what medications are being taken, and what chronic illnesses there are. Sometimes simple memory and attention tests are carried out. At the end, the family receives a clear explanation and a plan: tests, treatment, and advice on care and safety at home.
When an Older Adult Needs a Psychiatrist
- forgets recent events and asks the same questions over and over
- gets lost in familiar places, mixes up days of the week, doesn’t recognize the apartment
- has become apathetic and lost interest in things that used to bring joy
- suspiciousness, accusations of theft, or unusual beliefs have appeared
- insomnia, wandering at night, restlessness in the evenings
- abrupt personality changes — irritability, aggression, tearfulness
- sudden confusion after an illness, surgery, or a new medication
If at least two points apply and the state lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth seeing a specialist. Phone consultation is free. If life is at risk, call 112 or 103.
Why the Mind Changes in Later Life
Memory decline is not an inevitable part of aging. Persistent problems with memory and thinking are more often linked to dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other forms. Depression is common in older adults and can look like forgetfulness and apathy, so it is important not to mistake it for dementia. Losses can also be a cause: the death of a spouse, loneliness, moving in with adult children, or retirement.
Sudden changes form a separate group: acute confusion, or delirium, caused by infections, dehydration, surgery, or medication side effects. This is an emergency. Many older people take several medications at once, and their interactions can affect mental functioning. That is why a geriatric psychiatrist always reviews the full list of medications and works together with a general practitioner and a neurologist.
How an Online Geriatric Psychiatry Consultation Works
Prepare a list of all medications, discharge summaries, lab results, and CT or MRI results if available. Help your loved one sit comfortably and check the sound: older people often need a higher volume. The doctor talks with the patient, carries out simple memory and attention tests, and then asks the relatives questions. If your loved one is hard of hearing, you can join from two devices. At the end, the family receives a plan.
Sudden confusion, weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, facial drooping, or a fall with injury are reasons to call 103 or 112 immediately: these may be signs of a stroke or delirium. Diagnosing dementia requires lab tests, brain imaging, and a neurological examination — the doctor will refer you. If help is needed at home, a psychiatrist’s home visit can be arranged.
How we help
Memory and cognitive assessment
The doctor uses conversation and standard short tests to assess memory, attention, orientation, and speech. The results are compared with what the relatives report and with the medical history. This helps distinguish age-related changes from dementia, depression, or delirium and determine which further tests are needed. A repeat assessment after some time shows how things are changing.
Treating depression and anxiety
Depression in older adults responds well to treatment. Psychotherapy, support for social activity, and antidepressant medications selected with age, chronic illnesses, and other medications in mind are used. The doctor starts cautiously and regularly monitors the patient’s well-being. Prescribing follows the rules of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Dementia care
Dementia treatment includes medications that may slow functional decline in some patients, management of insomnia, restlessness, and behavioral symptoms, and non-drug approaches: a daily routine, cognitive stimulation, and a safe environment. The doctor explains to the family what to expect and helps plan care months and years ahead.
Support for relatives
Caring for an older person with memory problems is a heavy burden. The doctor advises the family on how to communicate, how to respond to suspiciousness and repeated questions, how to make the apartment safe, and where to find help. Online sessions allow relatives from different districts of Almaty and other cities to join and agree on how to share caregiving responsibilities.
Myths and facts
MythForgetfulness in old age is normal
FactSome slowing of memory with age does happen, but persistent problems that interfere with daily life are a reason to see a doctor. A timely diagnosis helps find treatable causes and start treatment.
MythThere’s no point treating dementia
FactDementia cannot yet be fully cured, but treatment can ease symptoms, improve sleep and behavior, and preserve quality of life. Proper care and family support make a significant difference to how the patient feels.
MythOlder people don’t need psychiatrists — it’s just their personality
FactDepression, anxiety, and insomnia in older adults are illnesses, not character traits. They respond well to treatment. Early help reduces the risk of falls, hospitalizations, and a decline in overall health. Age is no reason to suffer in silence.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Almaty
| Online child/adolescent psychiatrist appointment | 17 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for parents | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online appointment | 13 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
You can book in Almaty online or at one of two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty, 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — all city districts and nearby settlements.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
Will an older person be able to manage a video call?
Usually, yes, if someone is there to help. A tablet or phone on a stand, good lighting, and loud sound are enough. If your loved one lives alone in Kaskelen or Talgar while you are in central Almaty, you can join from two devices at once and help them during the session.
How is dementia different from depression in older adults?
In depression, low mood, apathy, and complaints about memory come first, but the person usually tries to answer questions. In dementia, memory problems increase gradually, and the person may not notice them. Sometimes the two occur together. A detailed assessment by a doctor helps tell them apart.
Can a medication cause confusion?
Yes. In older adults, some medications, especially in combination, can cause confusion, drowsiness, and restlessness. That is why the doctor always asks for a complete list of medications. Don’t stop any medication on your own: changes should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it.
What if my loved one refuses to see a doctor?
Start with a consultation for the family. The doctor will suggest how to offer help without pressure — for example, as an ordinary conversation about well-being or sleep. If there is a threat to life or safety, call 103 or 112. Any questions about involuntary care are resolved only in accordance with the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Can a psychiatrist make a home visit?
Yes. If it is hard for the older person to go out or an examination is needed, a doctor’s home visit can be arranged in Almaty and its suburbs. An online consultation beforehand helps you prepare and save time. Follow-up sessions are often held by video.
Will anyone find out about the consultation?
No. Information about contacting Psychiatry Online is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not shared without the consent of the patient or their legal representative, except in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
