Helping you stay healthy as you age: Who is a geriatrician?

Growing old is something common to all of us. As we age, our bodies and minds undergo various changes, and new diseases can develop. So, at times like these, how good would it be to have a doctor who focuses on the health problems of our elders? That is the kind of specialist we are going to talk about today , the 'Geriatrician' .

Who exactly is a geriatrician?

Simply put, a geriatrician is a doctor who has received special training in the health of older people, that is, our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and so on. Sometimes they are also called 'Geriatric Medicine Doctors'. They diagnose and treat a variety of diseases that occur as we age. They also help you plan a treatment plan that works best for you, by talking about your personal needs, likes, and dislikes. Isn't that great?

These geriatricians are doctors who have received basic training as general physicians (`Internal Medicine`) or family physicians (`Family Medicine`), and then received additional specialized training in the field of geriatric medicine (`Geriatric Medicine`). They may work as part of a hospital ``Center for Geriatric Medicine``, or they may work in a private medical center. Some also work with older adults in ``long-term care facilities`` or ``rehabilitation facilities``. There is also another group called ``Gerontologists``, who also work with the well-being of older adults, but a geriatrician is also a doctor. Do you understand the difference?

How can a geriatrician help you?

A geriatrician sees you as a whole person . This means that he or she takes into account your physical, mental, cognitive, and social needs. He or she uses all of this information to provide you with treatment and advice. Here are some of the things a geriatrician can do for you:

• Disease diagnosis: We find out exactly what various medical conditions you have.
• Prescribing medications and other treatments: Prescribing necessary medications, vitamins, and other appropriate treatments.
• Check for side effects of medications: Always check to see if the medications you are taking are causing any side effects. If there are any, the prescription can be changed.
• Talking about the pros and cons of treatments: When undergoing major treatments like surgery, you will be clearly informed about the pros, cons, and risks.
• Working with other healthcare providers: We will arrange for you to get the specialist services you need, for example, a cancer specialist or a neurologist.
• Discussing daily activities: We will discuss your ability to perform daily activities and advise you on lifestyle changes if necessary. For example, if it is no longer safe to drive a car alone or if it is dangerous to stay home alone, we will discuss these and help you take appropriate steps.
• Advance Directive Planning: This is a sensitive topic, but it is very important. Sometimes we may be unable to make decisions about our health in the future. In such a situation, we can guide you and your family in planning ahead for how you want your treatment to be carried out, according to your wishes.

Geriatricians know that not everyone is the same. Imagine that someone else has the same disease as you, but their preferred treatment and lifestyle may be very different from yours. For some, their independence is more important than anything else. Others prefer to have someone with them 24 hours a day to help them. Some try to reduce their medication and avoid surgery as much as possible. Others want to try every possible treatment.

"A geriatrician will talk to you and help you understand what you want most and how you can reach those goals . They will also explain to you what alternatives are available if your basic wishes cannot be fulfilled, or if it is dangerous for you. They will also involve your loved ones in all of this, making sure you are as relaxed and happy as possible about your treatment plan."

What is a 'Geriatric Care Team'?

This is also very important. A 'Geriatric Care Team' is a team of geriatricians and other health care professionals who work together to care for older adults. They assess your needs and treat any health conditions that may be affecting your body and mind.

In addition to geriatricians, this team may include others. For example:

• Dietitians: People who advise you on your nutrition.
• Nurse Practitioners: Those who provide care by assisting doctors.
• Occupational Therapists: People who help people perform daily tasks more easily.
• Pharmacists: People who advise you about the medications you take and their interactions.
• Physical Therapists: Those who treat problems related to physical exercise, joints, and muscles.
• Physician Assistants: Those who see patients under the supervision of physicians.
• Psychiatrists and Psychologists: Those who provide advice and treatment for mental health problems.
• Social Workers: People who help with social and economic problems and direct them to needed resources.
• Speech and Hearing Specialists: People who help with speech or hearing difficulties.

To be honest, not everyone can easily find a geriatrician or such a care team. It varies depending on where you live, your health insurance plan, etc. In such cases, you can work with your family doctor (`Primary Care Provider`), who has special training in caring for the elderly.

At what age should you see a geriatrician?

Most people start seeing a geriatrician after age 65 , and especially after age 75. But that can vary depending on your health history and needs. Some Centers for Geriatric Medicine (CGM) are now starting to serve people in their 50s. This may seem a little early. Yes, I understand, 50 is still young for some people. However, addressing the health issues that come with aging early can help you control your risk factors and prevent many chronic conditions.

Consider this: More than 50% of people aged 65 and over have at least three medical conditions that need to be monitored or treated. When you have more than one medical condition, your medical care becomes a little more complicated. That's when the help of a geriatrician comes in handy.

For example, if you are taking multiple medications for different conditions, a geriatrician can make sure that the medications are safe to use without dangerous interactions. Similarly, when undergoing a treatment such as surgery, they weigh the pros and cons. Because the risks of surgery at age 70 may be higher than those at age 40.

Of course, internal medicine doctors and family physicians also provide this type of help to a large extent. Even if you consult a geriatrician, it is important to continue to maintain a relationship with your family doctor. However, geriatricians add additional knowledge and expertise to your care. They are specially trained to care for older adults, especially those with complex medical problems. This includes physical illnesses as well as mental health problems. So, because they have seen a lot of these situations, they are ready to help, no matter what your situation.

Should my loved one see a geriatrician?

If your loved one, such as a mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather, is in this situation, it can be very helpful to seek advice from a geriatrician:

• Living with multiple medical conditions
• If you are taking multiple medications at the same time.
• If you are experiencing memory issues, such as memory loss or forgetfulness.
• If he is having a tough time juggling appointments and treatments,
• If you have been hospitalized or are recovering from a hospital stay. (Hospitalized or recovering from a hospital stay)

If you are their primary caregiver, you may notice small changes that others may not notice. Your loved one may not even notice them. In such cases, it may be your responsibility to suggest that they see a geriatrician. They can look at your loved one from all angles, including their mental health and social well-being, and create a plan that meets their needs.

How can I find a geriatrician near me?

In Sri Lanka, the specialty of geriatrician is not yet very widespread. However, you can ask your family doctor about this. He or she may be able to recommend someone suitable. There may be special clinics for the elderly in large government hospitals or private hospitals. You can also find information from such places. Sometimes it is also possible to find information about such specialist doctors online.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so, wouldn't it be good for you to remember some of the most important things we've talked about?

• A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the health of older people. They look after all your physical and mental needs.
• If you have multiple illnesses, are taking a lot of medication, or have memory problems , the help of a geriatrician is invaluable.
• It is very important to have regular medical checkups (`annual checkups`) even after the age of 50. This can help identify and control many diseases early.
• Even if it's difficult to find a geriatrician, always maintain contact with a family doctor who cares about the health of the elderly.
• As we age, we may not fully understand the changes in our health. Geriatricians are specialists who understand the changes that come with aging. They can help you stay healthy and happy.

So, if you or someone you love is getting older, it's worth considering the services of a geriatrician. Everyone deserves to live a healthy, happy life, right?

` Geriatrics, geriatrician, adult health, aged care, chronic diseases, medical advice, healthcare