Geriatric Care Clinic Q&A

As its name suggests, geriatric care focuses on the prevention and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disabilities that are common among older adults. Even so, it is a broad term that applies to a variety of treatment options beyond traditional medical care. Care management, facilitating independence, specialized medical care, and social or psychological needs can all be part of geriatric care. Considering that aging is inevitable and that elderly people have different healthcare needs than younger people, geriatric care plays a critical role in optimizing the health and quality of life of older adults.
 
Depending on their healthcare needs, older adults often see more than one doctor. It is possible to involve other specialists, such as neurologists, urologists, psychiatrists, and more. However, geriatricians can provide general health care to older adults and can refer them to specialists when needed.
 
Families, caregivers, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, and other medical professionals are often included in the care team of a geriatric patient. There is no need for all care teams to be so robust, but geriatric medicine can be a viable component of long-term health management for older adults.

Geriatricians are experts in conditions commonly experienced by older adults. Treatment of older adults differs from treating younger adults for a number of reasons, such as polypharmacy, vague symptoms, and challenges with attribution when multiple health conditions exist concurrently.
 
Additionally, older adults are more likely to develop age-related diseases than younger adults. Older adults tend to be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, ischemic heart disease, urinary incontinence, and other diseases than younger people, while still being at risk for issues that are also prominent in younger adults like high blood pressure.

We are more likely to suffer from at least one medical condition as we age. Some medical conditions are relatively mild and don’t make a big difference in your day-to-day life, while there are other medical conditions that require intensive treatment.
 
In older people, falls are a major cause of emergency hospital admissions and represent a considerable health risk. People with medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of falls on their health.
 
Older people are more likely to suffer from arthritis, which can cause inflammation and pain in their joints.
 
The most common definition of dementia is a memory problem that affects your ability to carry out your usual activities. There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s is the most common.

Geriatric symptoms will vary based on the individual’s overall health and any other health conditions they may be experiencing. Some symptoms may be caused by an existing condition, while others can exacerbate conditions.
 
Urinary incontinence can cause problems such as falls, depression, and isolation. The majority of cases of incontinence can be cured or greatly improved with treatment. When you experience bladder control issues, don’t hesitate to tell your geriatrician.
 
Your quality of life can be negatively affected if you have sleep problems. Sleep problems can also lead to falls, injuries, and other health issues. Your healthcare provider can identify the type of sleep problem you have if you have trouble sleeping at night or feel sleepy during the day.
 
Delirium is a common condition seen in older adults who are admitted to the hospital or go to the ER. The state of delirium is characterized by sudden confusion.

In the coming years, geriatric medicine will take on an increasing role in the medical care of older adults as they experience more age-related changes. Support from a geriatric healthcare team can be helpful for older patients managing chronic conditions. The prevention of poor health can be enhanced by healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, as well as regular contact with trusted health professionals. There is no “right” age at which to see a geriatric doctor, rather, it will depend on each patient’s specific needs.
 
Geriatric care is available at Primary Care Center of Clear Lake. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas.