Healthcare needs can be more complicated as an individual ages. At this stage in life, a senior might be taking several medications, they might have multiple chronic conditions, memory problems, mobility issues, fall risk or needs to be cared for at home.
Most people see their family doctors for routine issues; however, some older persons may choose to see a specialist in geriatric care. A geriatric care specialist, also known as geriatrician, is a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable of the health care needs of older people. As well as caring for illness, they’re concerned about maintaining elders’ independence, safety, comfort, function, and quality of life.
Why Geriatric Care Matters
Older people have more chance of having more than one health problem. According to a data report from CDC, the prevalence of chronic conditions in older adults in the U.S. in 2023 was 78.8% for multiple chronic conditions and 93% for any chronic conditions. It can be a problem with high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart, kidney, memory changes, osteoporosis, depression or balance.
If more than one condition is present, then the care can become complicated. There is a possibility that one medication will ease one problem and cause another. If you have a symptom like dizziness it can be due to blood pressure, dehydration, inner ear problems, side effects of medicine, or heart rhythm problems. Geriatric doctors are experts at considering the big picture.
When Should a Senior Consider a Geriatric Specialist?
Variety of individuals start thinking about geriatric care after the age of 65, particularly after the age of 75, yet this is not an authoritarian guideline. According to Cleveland Clinic, the average age to begin seeing a geriatric medicine doctor is 65 or older, often with medical indications or history.
A geriatric specialist can be useful for elderly with multiple medical issues (i.e. many doctors), multiple falls, low energy, multiple hospital or urgent care visits, memory or thinking changes and/or difficulties with activities of daily living.
The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging resource suggests that geriatrician involvement should be considered if an older adult experiences health issues that result in weakness, disability, frailty, memory loss, incontinence, depression, poor mobility or problems taking care of themselves. It also points out someone’s feeling overwhelmed can be an indication that geriatric care is necessary for family members or carers.
Medication Review Is a Major Benefit
One important thing that you can think about regarding geriatric care is medication management. Senior citizens may be on multiple medications from various specialty doctors, in addition to OTC medications and supplements. This can cause potential side effects, dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, low blood pressure, falls, or interactions with the medication.
A Geriatrician will be available to discuss if all medications are still required, if doses are correct and if there are safer alternatives. This is particularly true following a hospital move, a fall, onset of new confusion or changes in appetite, sleep, and balance.
Support for Memory, Mobility, and Independence
Geriatric experts can also assess issues with memory, risk for dementia, depression, diet, walking difficulty, bladder or bowel problems, sleep and the caregiver’s stress, as well as home safety. It is not simply diagnosis, but more of a plan for dealing with the condition that is realistic in making living easier every day.
It could involve physical therapy; fall prevention; caregiver information and education; home health services; specialist referral; laboratory testing; medication evaluations and/or advance care planning.
Final Thoughts
For seniors, the following may signify a need for a geriatric care specialist: when healthcare becomes more difficult to manage, when symptoms start to overlap, when independence becomes an issue, when medications are becoming more numerous, and/or when caregivers are needing more assistance. There is the option to have a holistic caregiver from a geriatric specialist working in concert with the treating doctor to deliver more directed and age-friendly care.
For senior wellness visits, medication reviews, fall-risk assessments, memory concerns, or help deciding whether geriatric care is right for your loved one, email appointment@familydiagnosticclinic.com and our team will get you scheduled.
