what is geriatric care

Geriatric care refers to the process of planning and coordinating care for the elderly and others with physical and/or mental impairments to meet their long-term care needs, improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence. Geriatric care management integrates health care and psychological care with other needed services such as housing, home care services, nutritional services, assistance with activities of daily living, socialization programs, as well as financial and legal planning. Geriatric care managers typically have formal education and experience in nursing, social work, gerontology, or other health service areas, and they are expected to have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of services in their communities. Geriatric medicine is a subspecialty that deals with conditions that affect older adults, and it includes a primary care physician, known as a geriatrician or a gerontologist, that has distinct knowledge and skills related to the care of older adults. Geriatric care accounts for a very small portion of medical services, despite the fact that its services are essential for older adults. Geriatric care providers include geriatricians, geriatric nurse practitioners, and geriatric care managers. Geriatric care is important to help caregivers support and maintain the health of their loved ones.