As people get older they experience many changes. It may occur in physiological, psychological, and intellectual aspect of an elderly. Changes like retirement, the loss of loved ones, and the physical changes of aging can take its toll. Coping with changes is challenging, no matter how old you are but for elderly the changes and transitions are harder to accept.
Because of the rapid changes that occur in elderly they have special needs that require special attention. This is where the geriatrics care came in. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. It specializes for elderly care emphasizing on the social and personal requirements of senior citizens who need some assistance with daily activities and health care, but who desire to age with dignity.
Who Needs Geriatrics Care
There is no definite age to qualify in getting geriatrics care. People over the age of sixty have different degrees of disability and illness. At this age, some may have no problems at all, while others have many several serious health concerns.
General internists and family doctors are the one who commonly care for elderly but geriatricians are often sought to provide consultations and care for older persons in poor health and with serious health condition.
No matter what of an older person’s age, a geriatrician should be consulted when:
- An older person’s condition causes considerable impairment and frailty. These patients tend to be over the age of 75 and coping with a number of diseases and disabilities, including cognitive (mental) problems; or
- Family members and friends are feeling considerable stress and strain as caregivers and,
- When there are persistent or intermittent symptoms such as:
- memory loss,
- confusion,
- or other signs of possible dementia.
Who Can Provide Geriatrics Care
Generally, the geriatricians are primary care physicians who are board-certified to provide care for elderly. However, there are other trained health professionals who specializes in taking care for older adults. In some situations, a team of health care professionals will work together in the medical evaluation of an older patient. A geriatrics team may include any or all of the following health professionals:
- Geriatrician
- Nurse
- Social worker
- Nutritionist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Consultant pharmacist
- Geropsychiatrist
Healthy aging is not just about staying physically fit. It is about maintaining the sense of purpose and zest for life. Healthy aging means continually reinventing yourself, finding new things to enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active, and feeling connected to your community and loved ones. Getting geriatric care can help your elderly loved one’s to live their life to the fullest even in their later days.
