What is Geriatric care

Geriatrics : a branch medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and aging people.

Geriatrician : a specialist in geriatrics. The most appropriate term for a physician who specializes in the care of older adults is geriatrician, not gerontologist.  A gerontologist is generally a non-physician, though physicians who focus on aging research can also be considered gerontologists.

Just as pediatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of children, GERIATRICIANS are physicians who specialize in the care of older adults.

Geriatricians are expert in dealing with multiple medical problems and chronic illness. Geriatricians focus on optimizing quality of life and functional ability for their patients rather than seeking definitive cures.

Geriatricians use a holistic approach to address the physical, psychological and social problems surrounding the patient and family.  A geriatrician works closely with other health care professionals and organizations, including other physicians, therapists, home care agencies, pain clinics and support groups, to meet the specific needs of each patient.  A geriatrician considers the patient and family as key members of the health care team, and expects them to contribute to all decisions that need to be made.

Ailments that a geriatrician will address include Alzheimer’s disease (and other dementias), arthritis, chronic heart & lung disease, general decline, impaired overall function, incontinence, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, sensory problems (esp. vision and hearing) and stroke.

The geriatrician will also scrutinize the often-large number of medications older adults take to ensure that the medications are appropriate and are not causing serious adverse side effects.  Many times, medications can be adjusted with significant improvement in the well being of the patient.  Pain and mood disorders such as depression are common in older adults – the geriatrician checks for these as well.