Geriatrics focuses on medical care for older adults as their health needs change with age. Because some adults manage multiple chronic conditions, geriatric care can include ongoing monitoring and personalized treatment plans. Home visits and telehealth provide additional care options, while geriatric services also focus on maintaining independence. Here is more information about addressing physical health in geriatric care:
Managing Chronic Conditions
Older adults may manage several chronic conditions at the same time, which can make ongoing medical care more complex. Geriatric care monitors these conditions, and providers may adjust treatment plans as symptoms or health needs change. Regular visits also give providers opportunities to review medications, discuss concerns, and track changes over time.
- Managing diabetes
- Monitoring high blood pressure
- Addressing high cholesterol
- Evaluating thyroid problem
- Managing arthritis
- Monitoring kidney disease
Monitoring Mobility Changes
Mobility can change with age, and conditions such as arthritis may affect movement over time. Reduced mobility is able to make daily activities more challenging, while changes in balance may increase the risk of falls. Geriatrics care can include monitoring these changes during routine evaluations.
Providers help assess movement and discuss difficulties that affect everyday activities. Because mobility needs are able to change gradually, ongoing care provides opportunities to review symptoms and adjust treatment plans. These evaluations can also address concerns related to maintaining independence and completing daily tasks.
Coordinating Home-Based Visits
Home-based visits bring medical care directly to older adults who may have difficulty traveling to an office. Because transportation is able to create challenges, these visits provide another way for patients to receive care within their homes. Providers can also observe the patient’s everyday environment, which offers additional context about daily routines and health needs.
Tracking Health Through Telehealth
Telehealth connects older adults with providers through remote appointments when traveling to an office presents challenges. Patients are able to discuss symptoms through phone or video visits, and providers are able to review health concerns without an in-person appointment. This option can complement office visits and home-based care when remote communication fits the patient’s needs.
During telehealth appointments, providers help to review symptoms, medications, and changes in a patient’s health. Because some concerns require a physical examination, providers may recommend an in-person visit when appropriate. Telehealth provides another way for older adults to maintain communication with their healthcare team between in-person appointments.
Personalizing Preventive Screenings
Preventive care gives geriatric providers opportunities to monitor health changes as patients age. Because health needs vary between patients, providers help to personalize screenings and routine visits based on individual medical needs. Regular evaluations can also support chronic condition management while giving patients time to discuss new symptoms or health concerns.
- Scheduling annual physicals
- Completing preventive health screenings
- Managing chronic conditions
- Attending primary care checkups
Schedule With Geriatrics Care
Health needs will sometimes change with age, and geriatric care provides support for older adults throughout those changes. Providers are able to address chronic conditions, mobility concerns, preventive care, and other needs through personalized treatment plans. Because each patient has different health concerns, geriatric services can adapt as those needs change over time. Schedule a geriatric care visit today to discuss your health needs with a provider.
