If you have an elderly loved one, then it is vital that you seek the appropriate senior care for the person. With modern geriatric medicine, it is possible to help a senior citizen to have better overall health that will prolong life. Some of the questions that you can ask regarding senior care include:
• Does the physician or center offer general or specialty services?
• Will the senior’s insurance plan pay for the cost of examinations and treatments?
• What are the medical services that are offered to a senior citizen?
• Does the center or physician want a senior to remain in his or her home?
• Will the medical experts take the time to explain things to a senior?
• At what age should an individual switch to geriatric medical care?
• Does the physician understand how to treat the health conditions of seniors?
• How much does the center’s professionals know about dementia conditions?
• Does the physician have access to the most modern diagnostic tools?
When you select a senior care physician or medical clinic, it is important to include the senior in the decision. To have the best outcome, it is essential for your loved one to feel comfortable visiting a professional. If a senior has a hearing loss, vision problems or memory issues, then the physicians must take more time to explain examinations and medical treatments.
How is Geriatric Care Different from Other Types of Care?
Medical care for senior citizens is becoming more specialized as researchers learn additional information about the bodies and minds of elderly individuals. In the past, living to an older age was a rarer occurrence, but today, more individuals are living longer. A competent senior care expert will know how to talk to a senior about the health problems that often affect older individuals.
What are the Medical Conditions That Occur in Elderly Individuals?
A knowledgeable geriatric professionals will have an understanding of the most common health problems that occur in the elderly. Seniors are more likely to have these medical conditions:
• Infectious respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Diabetes mellitus or its many complications
• Bone loss or osteoporosis that leads to broken bones
• Dementia conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancerous conditions that occur in various regions of the body
• Cardiovascular conditions of the heart, arteries or blood vessels
• Complications from influenza or shingles
• Arthritic conditions that affect the cartilage and bones of the body
• Kidney or bladder disorders that can lead to incontinence
• Chronic lung disease from smoking or exposure to pollutants
• Vision abnormalities such as cataracts or glaucoma
• Hearing loss caused by infection, aging or exposure to loud noises
To ask more questions about senior care for a loved one, simply reach out to the team at Centro Médico Latino, located in Charlotte and Monroe. Contact us today to book an appointment and get started.
