Specialized Geriatric Medicine
We focus on medical issues and diseases of old age. Medical care becomes more complex as you age and encounter more medical conditions.
Adult and Old age are different.
In old age category, we pay attention to the special needs of the elderly person. The aged body is different physiologically from the younger adult body, and during old age, the decline of various organ systems becomes manifest. We aim to treat diseases that are present and achieve healthy aging. We focus on achieving the patient's highest priorities in the context of multiple chronic conditions, and on preserving function.
Unique Challenges in Elderly Care
Disease Complications in Elderly:
Elderly develop some kinds of diseases and have more complications from mild problems (such as dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting). A mild fever in elderly persons may cause confusion and altered mental state that will lead into Sepsis (a serious condition resulting from the presence of harmful microorganisms in the blood) may lead to death, and confusion also may lead to a fall and to a fracture of the neck of the femur (broken hip).
Medication Management in Elderly
Special Attention to Medications:
Elderly people particularly are subjected to polypharmacy (taking multiple medications). Some elderly people have:
- Multiple medical disorders
- Self-prescribed many herbal medications
- Over-the-counter drugs
This may increase the risk of:
- Drug interactions
- Adverse drug reactions
Important Considerations:
Drug metabolites are excreted mostly by the kidneys or the liver, which may be impaired in the elderly, necessitating medication adjustment.
Disease Presentation in Elderly
Vague and Non-Specific Symptoms:
The presentation of disease in elderly persons may be vague and non-specific, or it may include delirium and falls.
Example - Pneumonia:
In certain cases, for example pneumonia, it may present with:
- In elderly: Low-grade fever and confusion
- In younger people: High fever and cough
Communication Challenges:
Some elderly people may find it hard to describe their symptoms in words, especially if:
- The disease is causing confusion
- They have cognitive impairment
Minor Problems, Major Impact:
Delirium in the elderly may be caused by a minor problem such as constipation. Many of these problems are treatable, if the root cause can be discovered.
Quality of Life and Independence
Functional Abilities:
Functional abilities, independence and quality of life issues are of great concern. Elderly people generally want to live independently as long as possible, which requires them to be able to engage in:
- Self-care
- Activities of daily living
Our Services
Comprehensive Elder Care:
We are able to provide information about elder care options, and refer people to:
- Home care services
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Hospice care as appropriate
Key Principles of Geriatric Care
1. Holistic Approach
Treating the whole person, not just the disease
2. Functional Focus
Preserving independence and quality of life
3. Medication Safety
Careful monitoring and adjustment
4. Early Detection
Recognizing subtle signs of illness
5. Family Involvement
Supporting both patient and caregivers
Doctor House Geriatric Specialists
Our specialized geriatric care team understands the unique needs of elderly patients. We provide comprehensive home visits focusing on maintaining independence, managing multiple conditions, and ensuring quality of life.
Specialized Care: Our geriatric medicine approach recognizes that aging is not a disease, but a natural process that requires specialized understanding and care tailored to the unique needs of elderly patients.