Learn About How Geriatricians Care for Older Adults
Geriatricians are healthcare providers who specialize in the care of older adults. They have extensive training in the medical, psychological, and social aspects of aging, and are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care to older adults.
What Geriatricians Do
Geriatricians provide a wide range of services to older adults, including:
* Primary care: Geriatricians provide routine preventive and primary care services, such as annual checkups, screenings for chronic diseases, and management of chronic conditions.
* Acute care: Geriatricians treat acute illnesses and injuries in older adults, such as pneumonia, heart attacks, and strokes.
* Long-term care: Geriatricians provide ongoing care for older adults with chronic conditions or disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and arthritis.
* Palliative care: Geriatricians provide comfort care for older adults with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer and heart failure.
* Geriatric rehabilitation: Geriatricians help older adults recover from injuries or illnesses and regain their independence.
Geriatricians also work closely with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists, to ensure that older adults receive the best possible care.
Education and Training
Geriatricians complete a four-year medical degree and then three years of residency training in geriatrics. During their residency, geriatricians receive training in the following areas:
* Medical aspects of aging: This includes studying the changes in the body and mind that occur with aging, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases.
* Psychological aspects of aging: This includes studying the emotional and cognitive changes that occur with aging, as well as the impact of aging on mental health.
* Social aspects of aging: This includes studying the social and economic factors that affect older adults, as well as the challenges of aging.
Geriatricians and Older Adults
Geriatricians are committed to providing high-quality care to older adults. They are dedicated to helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life, and to providing support and guidance to older adults and their families.
If you are an older adult, it is important to see a geriatrician regularly to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care. Geriatricians can help you manage your chronic conditions, prevent falls and other injuries, and stay mentally and physically active as you age.