Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Managing the Health and Wellness of Older Adults

Geriatrics focuses on the healthcare of older adults, addressing the unique medical needs that arise with aging. It is an area of medicine that focuses on the health concerns and goals of older adults. As you age, you may experience more health issues that are unique to your age group. The compassionate team understands the unique concerns and health problems that men and women have as they age, providing the caring support you need to enjoy an active and independent life.

What is included in a geriatric assessment?

Geriatric assessment is a key component of our commitment to providing holistic and patient-centered care. This multidimensional, interdisciplinary diagnostic process is designed to evaluate various aspects of an older adult’s life, including functional ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health, and socio-environmental circumstances. Our approach begins with a thorough review of each patient’s medical history, encompassing chronic conditions, medications, past surgeries, and lifestyle factors.

Physical Health and Functional Ability

This foundation allows us to conduct a detailed physical examination that assesses vital signs, nutritional status, mobility, balance, and the presence of chronic diseases that may impact overall health. Functional ability assessments are also critical, focusing on daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, as well as instrumental activities like managing finances and medication. By evaluating these areas, we determine the level of assistance required and work with patients and families to enhance independence and quality of life.

Social and Environmental Factors

We understand that health is influenced by social and environmental factors. Our assessments explore the patient’s living situation, support network, access to community resources, and home safety. This comprehensive perspective ensures that we develop care plans that address not only medical needs but also social and environmental well-being.

What do geriatric doctors treat?

Older adults are more prone to having many health problems. Geriatric specialists manage conditions such as arthritis, dementia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes, ensuring that older individuals receive comprehensive care. Some of the most common conditions that geriatrics address include:

• Hypertension and High cholesterol
• Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Urinary incontinence and Prostate problems

The following table summarizes common medical focuses in geriatric care:

When to see a geriatrician?

Recognizing the appropriate time to consult a geriatric specialist can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults in our community. You may consider geriatric care if you have one or more health conditions that affect your day-to-day life. As patients age, they may develop conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or dementia. Specialized teams are equipped to provide comprehensive management for individuals experiencing multiple chronic conditions, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

Medication management is another critical area. Older adults often take multiple medications, which can lead to side effects or interactions. Our team can evaluate and streamline medication regimens to minimize adverse effects and ensure safety.

What is the difference between an internist and a geriatric doctor?

The difference between internal medicine and family medicine or geriatrics lies in their scopes of practice and patient populations. Internal medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare dedicated to the comprehensive care of adults. Internists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various illnesses that commonly affect grown-ups, encompassing everything from long-standing health concerns to more immediate, short-term issues.

Geriatrics, on the other hand, focuses on the special health and wellness needs of older adults. It places special emphasis on promoting healthy aging for our middle-aged adults and geriatric population. While both specialties share many similarities, it’s crucial to distinguish their unique characteristics to make an informed decision about care.

Preventative Health and Wellness Visits

One of the most important aspects of geriatrics is preventive health, which focuses on helping you stay healthy by avoiding common illnesses. Another area is chronic care management, which can help you manage multiple health issues. Overall, our geriatric assessments aim to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults. By addressing their complex and interrelated health and social needs, we strive to offer coordinated and integrated care plans that support our patients’ long-term well-being and vitality.