what is geriatric medicine

Geriatric medicine is a subspecialty that deals with conditions that affect older adults. Geriatric doctors, also called geriatricians, specialize in caring for aging adults who often have complex medical issues. They focus particularly on keeping older adults functional and helping them maintain their independence. Geriatricians diagnose and treat issues that affect older adults, who often have one or more chronic health issues. They are highly knowledgeable about drug side effects and interactions, as older adults are often on several medications for different ailments. Geriatricians work with other healthcare professionals, such as family physicians, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists, to manage the overall care of older adults. Geriatricians are experts in seeing the big picture and prioritizing which drugs are necessary and which can be skipped. Geriatricians also provide resources and educational materials that patients can use to maintain healthy lives. Geriatricians can be helpful if older adults have chronic illnesses, impaired physical function, impaired memory or cognitive function, depression or anxiety, weight loss, problems with balance or recurrent falls, and/or urinary incontinence. Geriatric care managers are professionals, usually nurses or social workers, who specialize in geriatric care management, helping to coordinate medical services.