Geriatric Care

What is geriatric care?

Geriatric care is a special branch of medicine that addresses the specific needs of older patients. Working with seniors — patients 60 and older — comes with unique challenges as they sometimes suffer from multiple chronic conditions and take three or more medications, which is the number where interactions start to become more likely.

Some of the most common conditions geriatric patients have include:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disorders

Geriatric specialists can also address issues with instability, memory loss, and maintaining your independence.

Why should I see a geriatric specialist?

You should see a geriatric specialist for multiple reasons. If you want to live the most rewarding, active, and independent life for as long as possible, a geriatric specialist can help.

Although senior patients can switch to a geriatrician, which is a doctor who specializes in geriatrics, at any time, Dr. Bland recommends doing it as close to age 60 as possible. By becoming an established patient when you’re just entering your senior years, the doctor-patient relationship grows and by the time you become elderly, the team at Bland Clinic, P.A. knows you and your health issues and can help ease the transition to geriatrics.

You should also consider seeing a geriatric specialist because they are just that, specialists. These doctors not only completed medical school but also went through board certification and fellowship training. This extensive training prepared Dr. Bland’s team to have a deeper understanding of the aging process and how to manage the most complex and debilitating conditions.

What happens during a geriatric appointment?

During a geriatric appointment, Dr. Bland, or a member of her team, completes a physical examination and asks you questions about how you’re feeling and functioning. They may:

• Listen to your heart and lungs
• Check your blood pressure and pulse
• Inquire about your diet
• Ask about your bowel and bladder habits
• Have you squeeze their fingers or push against their hands
• Give you a number to remember and ask you to repeat it later
• Examine your eyes and ears

By engaging in these different tasks, your doctor evaluates how different systems are functioning. He may also ask you about your support system and your mood, as depression is not uncommon among seniors.

If you think you could benefit from seeing a geriatric specialist, call Bland Clinic, P.A. today or use online booking to schedule an appointment.