Geriatrics & Senior Care
Geriatrics is the specialty focused on the high-quality, person-centered care we all need as we age. Patients typically start seeing a geriatrician at age 65 instead of a primary care provider as these physicians have specialized training in the unique health needs of older adults. Health problems usually become more frequent as we age, which is the reason why switching to a geriatrician from an internist or family doctor is often recommended. Geriatricians can often predict how one medical problem can lead to another and provide a more holistic approach.
Geriatricians can also provide guidance and support to patients and their primary care physicians when questions about geriatric issues arise.
At Kern Medical we aim to improve the health, independence and quality of life of our older adults. Elderly patients may have multiple chronic health conditions that pose challenges to their day-to-day physical and cognitive functioning. For instance, an older adult may have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, and need specialized care from a physician who can coordinate all aspects of their treatment. Research shows that adults who see a geriatrician are less likely to have lengthy hospital stays because their physicians are continually assessing the patient for warning signs such as frailty or loss of appetite.
Do I Need to See a Geriatrician?
A geriatrician is specially trained to assess patient needs in the elderly, particularly in those who take multiple medications, have memory difficulties and mobility-impairment. It is important for a physician to monitor the patient’s list of medication, compliance and difficulty following complex treatments as the risk for adverse drug events increases with age.
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