Geriatrics in Staten Island, NY
As people get older, their health needs change. Aging individuals often have overlapping health issues that make daily functioning a challenge. Geriatricians at Richmond University Medical Center offer tailored care for older adults with age-related health issues. We offer geriatric care to patients in and around Staten Island, New York. Find out how geriatrics can help individuals stay independent as they age.
Key Takeaways
- Geriatric care provides dedicated medical support for older adults who struggle with age-related conditions, including cognitive decline, chronic illnesses, and mobility issues.
- Geriatric care offers comprehensive health and lifestyle support to help patients stay active, improve day-to-day function, and enhance their quality of life.
- Patients should see a geriatrician around age 65 or when they begin experiencing age-related health issues that affect everyday life.
- Richmond University Medical Center offers geriatric care for older patients throughout the Staten Island, NY, area, helping them access quality care when they need it.
What Is Geriatric Care?
Geriatric medicine focuses on specialized care for older adults and the conditions associated with aging. Delivered by a specialized primary care physician (PCP) called a geriatrician, it aims to improve overall quality of life and promote healthy aging. Geriatricians provide coordinated care to tackle health challenges caused by overlapping age-related conditions, including:
- Cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Mobility issues
- Sensory impairments
- Mental health issues
- Nutritional challenges
- Incontinence
- Insomnia
A geriatrician serves as a patient’s main point of contact for the above conditions. They diagnose and treat health conditions, provide specialist referrals, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and more to support the patient’s quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Comprehensive Senior Care?
The goal of geriatric care is to keep patients independent and improve their quality of life. To accomplish this, it takes a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Rather than treating just the disease, geriatricians address physical, mental, and emotional needs to improve the patient’s overall well-being. Some services that may be included with geriatric care include:
- Medication management: Geriatricians help patients manage multiple medications to ensure correct dosing, avoid interactions, and mitigate side effects.
- Mobility support: Geriatricians help patients stay mobile with occupational therapy, mobility aids, and home or lifestyle adjustments to reduce the fall risk.
- Cognitive and memory health: Geriatricians support patients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, helping them manage their symptoms and care needs.
- Nutritional guidance: Geriatricians help patients follow a healthy diet to keep them energized meet specific nutritional needs.
- Emotional support: Geriatricians connect patients to counseling, therapy, support groups, and other mental health resources for older individuals.
Geriatric care plans are fully personalized and continuously evolve to meet the patient’s changing care needs.
When Should Patients See a Geriatrician?
Geriatricians at Richmond University Medical Center typically see patients ages 65 and older. In general, however, patients should talk to a geriatrician when they experience age-related conditions. When these health issues start impacting day-to-day life, it may be time to get help from a geriatrician who can help reduce this impact.
Geriatricians also help the patient’s family and caregivers. Focused medical care can provide additional support for caregivers, helping them focus on their relationship with their loved ones. It also helps caregivers provide more effective support by giving them the knowledge and tools required to assist with age-related health issues.
See a Geriatrician Near You in Staten Island, NY
Geriatric care helps patients stay active and independent throughout their senior years. Patients in need of care can find knowledgeable doctors at Richmond University Medical Center. We are dedicated to providing high-quality medical services and education to our Staten Island, NY, community. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of seeing a geriatrician or to schedule an appointment.
FAQs About Geriatrics
What does a geriatric doctor do?
A geriatric doctor, also called a geriatrician, is a primary care physician (PCP) who specializes in healthcare for older adults. They diagnose and treat age-related conditions, provide specialist referrals, help manage multiple medications, and keep patients independent for as long as possible.
What conditions do geriatric specialists treat?
Geriatric specialists treat conditions that are related to age. Some conditions they help manage include dementia, arthritis, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, heart disease, and diabetes. They also assist with daily issues caused by aging, including balance problems, side effects from taking multiple medications, and sensory loss.
When should an older adult see a geriatrician?
Adults may consider seeing a geriatrician around age 65, particularly if they have complex health needs related to aging. They should also see a geriatrician when they start experiencing complex health needs related to aging, such as cognitive decline, chronic diseases, mobility issues, incontinence, or sensory impairment.
How can geriatric care improve quality of life?
Geriatric care is focused on helping older patients manage their evolving health needs to stay active and independent. It treats the whole person instead of single diseases. Geriatric services that can support quality of life include medication management to prevent skipped doses, nutritional guidance, fall prevention, and mental health care.
