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GeneralWhy See A Geriatric Doctor And When To Do So

As one’s health status declines, the need for care by a doctor and some healthcare experts increases. Once you find yourself confronted with many medical problems, you’re probably juggling different tests, specialists, prescription drugs, and records. This is when geriatricians can be helpful.

What Is A Geriatrician?

A geriatrician is an essential internal medicine physician who has received extra training specifically to treat older adults. They can treat and diagnose age-related health conditions and provide counseling to help manage and prevent health problems that may arise later in life such as incontinence, frailty, falls, and memory loss.

Geriatric specialists can coordinate the work of the experts and some healthcare providers, such as home health aides, social workers, and nurses.

Reasons To See A Geriatric Doctor

There are many reasons why you should see a geriatric doctor and these include the following:

  1. You’re Taking Multiple Medications

Most elderly adults take various prescription drugs and some use different kinds of dietary or herbal supplements. However, the more medications that a person takes, the more likely they will experience side effects and suffer from cognitive problems. Unfortunately, what you should know is that the older you get, the harder you’ll be able to clear or metabolize medicines in your body.

Plus, the more medications you’re on, the more you’re likely to experience drug interactions. With the help of geriatric doctors, they can review all your medications and determine which ones are necessary for your overall health condition.

  1. You’re Less Mobile

It’s always a great idea to see a geriatric doctor if you’re having trouble getting around or you don’t feel steady on your feet. Geriatric doctors can evaluate your gait and balance, as well as provide you with some balance-strengthening exercises you can do at home. Depending on your condition, these doctors may also prescribe physical therapy or send an occupational therapist or physical therapist to your house to perform a fall-risk assessment.

  1. You’re Dealing With Memory Problems

Many elderly people with probable dementia are undiagnosed and unaware that they’re having this kind of health condition. With geriatric doctors, they can screen you for MCI or mild cognitive impairment, which is actually a precursor to dementia and depression, which is more subtle in the majority of older adults. This could then help you to access more specialised dementia and memory care such as that offered at Chelsea Senior Living Community (chelseaseniorliving.com/locations/new-jersey/bridgewater/) if required.

When To See A Geriatric Doctor?

As you hit the age of over 65, you may face several health problems. For this reason, your medicines also increase, along with drug interactions and side effects. While many family practitioners and internists can manage such issues, there are instances when somebody with experience in juggling different medications, medical records, tests, and specialists can be beneficial.

A consultation with a geriatric doctor can also help if you or your elderly loved one are dealing with several medical issues such as falls, memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, incontinence or urinary frequency, or polypharmacy. Such can be overwhelming. Somebody who’s a little frail, wishing to discuss different aging-health-related decisions, and having difficulty managing their daily living activities can also benefit when they look for geriatrics.

However, not all elderly people need to see a geriatric doctor. The need may depend on the complexity of one’s medical conditions. Your primary care doctor will help you determine whether the switch to a geriatric doctor is best for you.

Conclusion

If you want to find a geriatric doctor, ensure that they’re board-certified in geriatric medicine. Specially trained in conditions that older adults face, these doctors can help integrate your care if you’re dealing with some medical conditions at the same time. Just make sure to pick one who has years of experience and expertise in the geriatric field.

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