Why Should You Visit a Geriatric Doctor?

There is no specific date, time, or reason when you should start to see a geriatric doctor compared to a primary care doctor; however, many will switch over to a geriatric doctor once they reach the age of 65, as geriatric doctors specialize and specifically focus on senior’s medical care.

A few reasons why so many seniors over the age of 65 go to see their geriatric doctor include:

• Become frail or impaired
• Multiple conditions that have medication routines, and may require complex care
• They are no longer able to receive adequate support from their primary caregivers

Geriatric doctors specialize in many age-related concerns and conditions including injuries and illnesses among older adults (seniors), that they face each day. Conditions that a geriatric physician may focus on include:

• Fall injuries

As we age, we naturally become more off-balanced and will develop mobility or balance problems. Due to this, geriatric physicians will treat many falls. On average, geriatricians will diagnose broken hips in 3 out of 10 of their patients over the age of 70. Fortunately, geriatric physicians are able to help lessen the risk of falling for their patients by having them perform a fall assessment. The tool that helps discover and even address your falling risk factors may include:

• Vision issues
• Chronic diseases
• Foot issues
• Cognitive impairment
• Weakness
• Vertigo
• Environmental hazards include poor lighting, steps, slippery rugs, etc.

• Dementia

Dementia is known as a brain disease that is often associated with memory loss which is often severe enough to disrupt your daily life. Often Alzheimer’s disease will account for a large portion of dementia cases.

Geriatric physicians will diagnose the cause of your dementia by completing tests like memory, mood, and ability tests along with any blood work and brain scans.

• Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common issue among older adults. It’s also one of the most common symptoms they do not want to tell their physician about. This could be due to many different reasons or beliefs; however, it should be known this is a normal part of aging.

Geriatric physicians will provide treatment for this condition which may include urination schedules, exercises, assistive devices, biofeedback, and more.

• Depression

Research studies are showing that on average 30% to 55% of seniors that are occupying nursing homes are depressed. Geriatricians have been trained to assess their patient’s moods. Depression in older patients also doesn’t always look the same from one patient to another. The symptoms of depression in older adults often appear as a result of other medical conditions.

• Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease includes a stroke or heart attack. Geriatricians will see many patients who have suffered one, they will provide treatment options to help carefully provide treatment. Any physician will need to make decisions carefully to ensure their patients get the correct treatment for their condition.

Geriatricians are still considered primary care physicians, they have instead completed extended training to focus and specialize in the treatment of older patients, usually seniors who are 65 years of age and older. People that meet the minimum age range, and have either multiple or complex health matters are often looking for specialized or individualized medical care, which is what geriatricians specialize in.

Primary care physicians often provide medical care to all patients of any age but have the same basic level of education and requirements necessary with no additional training unless they want to specialize in a different medical focus.

Geriatric care is important as geriatric patients are considered individuals over the age of 65 years and need extended medical care as they are more susceptible to developing serious health problems due to their aging bodies, and the ability them react to and fight off infections, diseases which weaken the body, and/or illnesses. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 255 Terracina Blvd, Suite 105 Redlands, CA 92373. We serve patients from Redlands CA, Loma Linda CA, Mentone CA, Highland CA, Moonlight Rim CA, Grand Terrace CA, El Casco CA, Greenspot CA, and surrounding areas.