As we journey through life, our healthcare needs evolve, particularly as we enter the golden years of aging. Geriatric care, a specialized branch of medicine, focuses on addressing unique health challenges and optimizing the well-being of older adults. Our bodies will continue to change as we age and it’s important that you get the care you need to ensure you retain a high quality of life. Geriatric care can extend your life and make daily activities easy and doable.
You may need to realize that your healthcare needs will change as you age. Your doctor will need to focus on new areas of care and certain areas may need more attention. Age brings along new risk factors for different issues and when left untreated or ignored, it could lead to serious complications.
Geriatric care begins with a comprehensive assessment of an older adult's health status, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. Your doctor will evaluate factors such as chronic conditions, medication management, mobility, nutrition, mental health, and social support systems to develop personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and osteoporosis are common among older adults and require ongoing management to prevent complications. Geriatric care emphasizes proactive management of chronic conditions through medication management, lifestyle modifications, preventive screenings, and regular monitoring to promote disease control and symptom management.
Maintaining mobility and preventing falls are crucial aspects of geriatric care, as falls can result in serious injuries and functional decline. Your doctor will assess factors that can contribute to making you a fall risk, such as balance issues, muscle weakness, vision impairment, and environmental hazards. From there, they will implement strategies to enhance safety and mobility. This may include exercise programs, assistive devices, home modifications, and education on fall prevention strategies.
Make sure you understand how care changes with age. Contact your doctor to learn more about senior care and the importance of it.