Many chronic health conditions affect older people. Often, treatment for one issue can affect other aspects of their health and quality of life. That's why these complications need to be handled by an expert in elderly care—a geriatrician doctor.

What Is a Geriatrician Doctor?

Geriatricians specialize in treating medical conditions affecting older adults. In particular, they ensure that you remain functional and maintain your well-being in good health. They know how to distinguish the illnesses in the elderly and younger people. As specialists in elderly care, they are also known as "doctors for seniors." A geriatrician's goal is to promote healthy aging and a holistic approach emphasizing lifelong well-being.

What Does a Geriatrician Do?

A geriatrician focuses on treating the health problems affecting older adults. Their patients could mostly have at least one or two chronic illnesses. Here are some conditions that geriatricians treat in older people:

• Dementia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Insomnia
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Depression
• Hearing and sight loss

Living with these health issues can be challenging. Consult a geriatrician if you are unsure how to handle age-related illnesses.

How Does a Geriatrician Differ From a Regular Physician?

Geriatric doctors have more experience treating conditions common to seniors and those with chronic conditions. They also understand how older bodies respond to various treatments.

Doctors of internal medicine or family medicine see more patients in their 30s to 60s. When these doctors treat an older adult, they can only guess based on their experiences with younger patients. They might also prescribe more aggressive treatments that don't work for older people due to their lack of knowledge.

The patient can start with a pediatrician, then move to an internal medicine specialist, and finally changes to a geriatrician.

Can Seniors Benefit from a Geriatrician?

Geriatricians are experts in preventing, diagnosing, and treating many conditions arising from aging. With their help, you can enjoy the golden years as you grow older. In the same way, as pediatricians are experts in caring for children and babies, geriatricians are for the elderly. Geriatricians also provide health care to seniors and their families:

• They work with other health care providers to coordinate care.
• Geriatricians know your healthcare priorities.
• They offer patients with palliative and end-of-life needs.
• Geriatricians can give a good care plan.

They are not called old people doctors without any reason. Moreover, geriatricians can choose the right treatment by knowing the differences between middle-aged and older-aged bodies.

5 Great Reasons to See a Geriatric Doctor

There may be a need to see a geriatrician if you have:

     1. A Decrease in Mobility and Balance

If you have trouble walking or keeping your balance, you should see a geriatrician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites "falling" as the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people over 65 years old. In addition, your geriatrician may suggest you do balance-strengthening exercises at home. They may also refer you to a therapist for mobility and gait stability training.

     2. Frailty

Frailty is a major issue in America towards the aging population. As we age, our bodies become frail. At times, older people who are frail have difficulty moving on their own. They have a higher risk of complications and poorer outcomes when having many surgical procedures. If exposed to flu or pneumonia, they are more likely to become ill. A geriatrician can help predict problems and tailor a care plan for your needs.

     3. Many Medications and Complex Care Needs

Geriatricians know better than anyone else how multiple medical problems affect older people. Doctors may refer patients who require care for diabetes and heart failure to geriatricians. They diagnose health problems as urgent as they interfere with your daily life. Moreover, they will review all your medications and determine which ones you need to take.

     4. Returned From the Hospital

Older adults benefit from geriatrician care during and after their stay in the hospital. Geriatric consultations can help many people who have suffered traumatic injuries to return to normal life sooner.

     5. Aging and Health Concerns

Families of senior loved ones may struggle to manage all their needs. That's why most of them hire a caregiver. Yet, there are times that the elderly still suffer for their daily needs. It's because they need help with activities such as bathing, going to the bathroom, and eating. A geriatrician can assist older people in finding a caretaker to ensure their safety.

Furthermore, geriatricians may consult with other health specialists in caring for older adults. Examples of such professionals are:

• Geriatric nurses
• Pharmacists
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Mental health professionals

Visit a Geriatrician

Older adults are prone to health issues, and geriatricians can provide the proper care for them. Take steps to improve your health as you age!

Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information as possible to keep you healthy. We're in this together. #ocanacares