What do
Geriatricians
do?
Physicians with additional training and expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating older people are called Geriatricians. These specialists work in an area of medicine referred to as geriatrics or geriatric medicine. Geriatrics refers to the care of older people with a specific focus on the health and wellbeing of people aged 65 years and older. Geriatrics differs from gerontology, which is the study of aging.
The need for a person to be under the care of a Geriatrician is decided by the person’s health care provider(s). Most often an older person’s General Practitioner (GP) decides when referral to a Geriatrician is appropriate.
Geriatricians are experts in managing geriatric syndromes which are common health problems associated with ageing. Geriatric syndromes usually have a multifactorial cause. When poorly managed, geriatric syndromes can lead to functional decline and loss of independence, which can be very distressing for the person involved and their family.
Commonly occurring problems associated with older age include increasing frailty, falls, incontinence, memory problems, depression, polypharmacy and/or side effects from taking many medications. Geriatricians also consider how any existing medical conditions may affect the overall emotional and physical wellbeing of the person. A person’s living arrangements are also considered and advice and/or services may be recommended to improve life a person’s life and make it safer. Such advice is particularly important if a person is having difficulties looking after themselves at home.
Geriatricians are comfortable discussing end of life issues with patients and their families, including advanced care directives, and goals of care.
At EGC we have a Nurse Practitioner with additional qualifications in Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care, who works with our patients and their families or carers, to ensure that they make informed decisions about their future health care wishes.