4 Questions to Ask Your Geriatrician

A geriatrician sometimes referred to as a senior doctor or elder physician, is a doctor who specializes in the care of older adults. Geriatricians receive the same education and training as primary care physicians, and after completing their initial education, they undergo specialization in the field of geriatric medicine. As our population continues to age, the demand for geriatricians is growing. Geriatricians have a unique set of skills and experience that allow them to offer general medical care, as well as long-term planning and support for families. They can treat physical and mental illnesses, manage chronic health conditions, prescribe medications, and perform comprehensive medical examinations. In addition to providing complex care for older adults with dementia, they can also provide care for patients in the hospital as well as those in nursing homes. Because of their specialized focus and expertise in geriatric conditions, they are sometimes called the ‘first line of defense in caring for older adults.

Geriatricians have many duties and responsibilities and receive specialized training in the treatment and management of chronic conditions that commonly affect older adults, such as:

• Arthritis
• Alzheimer’s
• Balance Issues
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Frailty
• Heart Disease
• Incontinence
• Insomnia
• Osteoporosis

Geriatricians also pay more attention to the overall quality of life, health goals and seek to ameliorate any complications while minimizing potential risks. A consultation with a geriatrician can often take longer when compared to other professionals because they take the time and care to address any and all issues the patient may be experiencing. To develop a better understanding of their patient’s life, they will likely collect additional information, like lifestyle, family, and other community-related questions.

There are many reasons to see a geriatrician, from illness treatments to chronic disease management. In addition to this, it is important for each elderly adult to receive the healthcare services they need in order to avoid injuries, prevent illnesses, and maintain independence. Reasons to see a geriatrician include:

• Frailty — Losing muscle strength often leads to increased fragility and is an inevitable part of aging. However, it may affect an elderly person’s ability to function independently, such as being more susceptible to falls, which requires more supervision and assistance.
• Multiple Medical Problems — Nearly two-thirds of seniors are living with more than one chronic condition, such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and neurological conditions. A geriatrician has special training in how these conditions interact in seniors as well as the cumulative effects they can have on different organ systems.
Other reasons to see a geriatrician include:
• Multiple medications
• Mental decline
• Caregiving advice

If you live in or around Reseda, CA, and are looking for a trusted geriatrician to provide you with quality care, come to Rachman Medical Group today. Our geriatrician is qualified to treat a wide variety of conditions common in the older population and can provide several different healthcare services, including disease screenings, prescription medications, and physical examinations. We serve patients from several Californian cities, including Reseda, Burbank, Twin Lakes, San Fernando, and Hidden Hills.

If you are looking for an experienced geriatrician, come to Rachman Medical Group today. Call us today to book an appointment with our geriatrician, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 7601 Canby Ave Suite 7, Reseda, CA 91335. We look forward to serving you!