Geriatrics

Geriatrics, also known as geriatric medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care of older adults. Geriatricians are healthcare professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat the medical conditions that are common in older adults, such as chronic diseases, frailty, and cognitive decline. They also focus on the prevention of age-related health problems and on improving the quality of life for older adults.

Geriatrics focuses on the specific health needs of older adults, who are often at higher risk for a wide range of medical conditions. Geriatric care can help to improve the quality of life for older adults and to reduce the burden of chronic disease and disability.

 

How is Geriatrics Health Care different from Regular Medicine?

Geriatrics differs from regular medical procedures in several ways:

 

1. Age-specific care: Geriatricians are trained to understand the unique health needs of older adults and to provide care that is tailored to these needs. This may include taking into account the potential for increased sensitivity to medications and the potential for multiple chronic conditions.
2. Holistic approach: Geriatricians take a holistic approach to care, which means that they consider the physical, social, and psychological factors that can impact an older adult's health. They may work with other members of the healthcare team, such as social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and pharmacists, to provide comprehensive care.
3. Prevention: Geriatricians focus on the prevention of age-related health problems, such as falls and cognitive decline. They may work with older adults to develop strategies to maintain their independence and function and to prevent the onset of chronic conditions.
4. Quality of life: Geriatricians focus on improving the quality of life for older adults. They may work with older adults to identify and address any barriers to optimal health, such as difficulty with mobility or access to healthcare.
5. Comprehensive geriatric assessment: This is a detailed evaluation of an older adult's overall health status, including physical, cognitive, and functional abilities. It can help identify health problems, such as falls, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment, and develop a personalized care plan.
6. Medication review: Older adults are more likely to be taking multiple medications, which can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions. A medication review can help optimize medication use, reduce unnecessary medications, and prevent medication-related problems.
7. Fall risk assessment: Falls are a common health problem in older adults, and can lead to serious injuries and disabilities. A fall risk assessment can help identify factors that increase the risk of falls, such as balance problems, muscle weakness, and medication use, and develop strategies to reduce the risk of falls.
8. Cognitive assessment: Dementia and other cognitive disorders are common in older adults. A cognitive assessment can help identify cognitive impairment, assess the severity of impairment, and develop a care plan to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
9. Advance care planning: Advance care planning involves discussions between older adults, their families, and healthcare providers about their values, goals, and preferences for medical treatment. This can help ensure that medical treatment aligns with the individual's wishes and goals, particularly in the context of serious illness or end-of-life care.

Overall, geriatric care differs from regular medical care in that it focuses specifically on the needs of older adults and on strategies to optimize their health and well-being. It involves a holistic approach to care and a focus on prevention and improving quality of life.

 

What Conditions Does Geriatrics Treat?

Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the health and wellbeing of older adults. Geriatricians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of older adults and the management of the complex health problems that are common in this population.

Some of the health conditions that geriatricians commonly treat include:

1. Chronic diseases: Older adults are more likely to have chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Geriatricians can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.
2. Cognitive impairment: Dementia and other cognitive disorders are common in older adults. Geriatricians can help identify cognitive impairment, assess the severity of impairment, and develop a care plan to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
3. Falls and balance problems: Falls are a common health problem in older adults, and can lead to serious injuries and disabilities. Geriatricians can help identify risk factors for falls and develop strategies to reduce the risk of falls.
4. Frailty and functional decline: Frailty and functional decline are common in older adults and can lead to a loss of independence and quality of life. Geriatricians can help identify factors that contribute to frailty and develop strategies to maintain or improve functional abilities.
5. Polypharmacy: Older adults are more likely to be taking multiple medications, which can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Geriatricians can help optimize medication use, reduce unnecessary medications, and prevent medication-related problems.

Geriatricians use a multidisciplinary approach to care, working with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care that meets the unique needs of older adults. Geriatrics also emphasizes preventive care and can help older adults maintain their health and independence.

 

What are Geriatrics Treatment Methods?

Geriatric treatment methods may vary depending on the individual's specific health needs and medical history, but some common approaches include:

1. Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy can help older adults recover from injuries or illnesses and improve their functional abilities. Geriatricians may refer individuals to these therapies as part of their treatment plan.
2. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain strength, balance, and mobility in older adults, and may also improve overall health and wellbeing. Geriatricians can recommend exercise programs that are safe and appropriate for the individual's needs and abilities.
3. Nutritional counseling: Proper nutrition is important for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Geriatricians can provide nutritional counseling and education to help older adults make healthy food choices.
4. Palliative care: Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on improving quality of life for individuals with serious illness. Geriatricians can provide palliative care to help manage symptoms and provide support for the individual and their family.

Geriatric treatment methods may also involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, who can provide support for emotional and social needs, and pharmacists, who can help manage medications and prevent adverse drug reactions. Overall, geriatric treatment aims to provide comprehensive, individualized care that promotes health, independence, and quality of life for older adults.

 

USHAŞ - Geriatric Care that is unmatched.

We, at UŞHAS, are a government agency working in the field to boost the circulation of medical tourism in Türkiye. Connect with geriatricians that are skilled and highly educated professionals who are equally compassionate and understanding. With HealthTürkiye, any concern you might have regarding the health and well-being of your loved ones will be handled with the utmost care.

If you wish to undertake geriatric care or any medical procedure, please get in touch with us.