Why use a geriatrician
Geriatric medicine
We all grow older. As we do so, many of us will experience health conditions and complex challenges related to aging. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the unique health needs of older people.
What is a geriatrician?
A geriatrician is a doctor who is specially trained to evaluate and help older people manage multiple, complex health needs and challenges related to aging.
Managing the challenges of aging requires specific knowledge and training as well as compassion, patience and excellent communication.
Geriatricians combine specialist medical knowledge with a deep commitment to helping older people manage their health, improve quality of life and maintain independence as long as possible.
A good geriatrician considers all aspects of an aging person’s health - physical, mental, social and emotional – and will recommend a plan that is realistic and helpful to the person and their family.
Why do older people need specialist support?
Many of the medical problems and challenges that develop as we grow older are unique to ageing and can be complex.
After age 65, 80% of us will have one or more age-related medical conditions – and 28% of us will have three or more. These include arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, Parkinson’s disease, pain and injuries from falls. Also, older people may live with health challenges such as frailty, mobility problems or incontinence, which affect everyday life or make it difficult to perform daily activities.
Geriatricians are expert at helping older people with multiple conditions, medically and holistically, with treatment and guidance focused on the whole person and all aspects of their life.
When should an older person see a geriatrician?
Consider consulting a geriatrician when you, or an older person you know, is experiencing challenges with:
memory and thinking problems
falls, mobility problems and difficulty with everyday tasks
unexplained weight loss or frailty (weakness and difficulty functioning)
managing multiple medications or treatments
multiple health problems.
What does a geriatrician do?
A good geriatrician looks at all aspects of an aging person’s healrth – physical, mental, social and emotional. A comprehensive assessment is the first step, including a review of all medications, lifestyle, and current issues. Then a recommended plan that is realistic and helpful to the person and their family.
Using the best-practice Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a good geriatrician will assess:
medical health, the way body and mind are functioning, medications, nutrition, bone health, nutrition and pain
functional ability to perform everyday tasks to live independently, and what support or treatment may help
mental health and wellbeing
social connections with other people
home environment
goals and plans for future care and treatment
spiritual wellbeing and what matters to the person
close relationships and their role in the person’s health.
Once completed, this assessment will inform the practical plan to help the older person and their family manage health issues, treatment, care and other challenges of aging. This includes communicating with other health professionals involved in the person’s care.
How does a geriatrician work with families or carers?
Families are often involved and vital in supporting, making plans and important decisions about the care of their older family members.
A good geriatrician can make a huge difference for the better in a family’s journey into the world of aging and all its related issues and challenges.
Geriatricians are expert at guiding and supporting older people and their families on the journey of aging.
How does a geriatrician work with my GP and other health professionals?
Your GP is incredibly important. For most people, they are the doctor you see most often and who has known you the longest.
Your geriatrician will communicate, plan and work with your GP to support you through the challenges of aging.
Your geriatrician will also communicate with other health professionals involved in your care to ensure consistent and co-ordinated treatment and support.
