What is Geriatric Care?
Geriatric care is medical care designed for the special needs of people over 65. People that age are more likely to develop chronic illnesses, and they are more likely to need multiple medications. A geriatrician, which is a medical doctor who specializes in treating older patients, will also watch for polypharmacy, a condition resulting from drug interactions. Geriatricians may treat people with the following conditions:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Sleep apnea
• Urinary incontinence
Does Everybody Need Geriatric Care After Turning 65?
No. Geriatricians generally work with older people who have chronic health problems and are taking multiple medications. A healthy senior who is taking only one or two medicines may stay with their primary care physician. An older person should schedule an appointment with a geriatrician if any of the following are:
• They are having memory problems
• They are taking over five medications or supplements
• They have been hospitalized
• They have mobility problems
A geriatrician can spot developing problems and arrange for the appropriate tests and treatments. For example, they can have somebody with memory difficulties tested for depression and mild cognitive impairment; the latter is a condition midway between the normal cognitive problems of aging and full-blown dementia. A patient with mild cognitive impairment does have an increased risk of developing dementia later on, so the geriatrician will monitor the patient.
As a person gets older, their body becomes less able to fully metabolize medications. In addition, taking multiple drugs increases the risk of drug interactions that can cause confusion or other problems. A geriatrician can also sort through a patient’s medications and determine if there are any the patient does not truly need.
An older person who has a consultation with a geriatrician while in the hospital will generally have an easier time taking care of themselves at home than one who does not. The geriatrician can advise the patient on how to manage such daily activities as shopping, and they can recommend helpful therapies.
Similarly, a geriatrician can examine a patient and assess their balance. They can have the patient do balance-training exercises, recommend a course of physical therapy, or have a physical therapist examine the patient and their home to assess the patient’s risk of falling. While falls are relatively minor for children or young adults, they are the leading cause of injuries in adults over 65. They are also the leading cause of death from injury in that same age group.
What Does Geriatric Care Involve?
Geriatric care is highly individualized; it will thus be tailored to the patient’s needs. The geriatrician will start by assessing the patient to determine their physical condition, function, and cognition. Geriatric care is a team effort, and the geriatrician will work with other professionals to help the patient. For example, they will often work with a nutritionist for malnutrition is a common problem in seniors. Physical therapists can help the patient stay mobile and in shape. The geriatrician may also arrange for caregivers to provide transportation or help the patient around their home.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
To learn more about geriatric care, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Centro Medico Latino. At our convenient location in San Juan, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
