Why Do We Need A Geriatrician? ? Elder Care Solutions of MI

Doctors?the average older adult sees many different medical specialists.? So why is it often a good idea to switch from an internist or family practice doctor to a geriatrician?? And the answer, of course depends!?

A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in treating older adults. Many of us took our children to a pediatrician when they were young, because we recognized that the very young need specialized care.? Well, the same concept applies to older adults.? Our physiology changes as we age, including the way we metabolize medications.? In fact, many commonly used medications have a different set of side effects when taken by older adults.? Geriatricians are generally more aware of what medications to use (or not to use) when treating older adults.

Another difference you can expect to see is that geriatricians usually schedule fewer appointments each day, so they are able to spend more time with each patient.? They are also likely to screen for cognitive changes, depression and anxiety on a routine basis. ?But perhaps the biggest difference is that geriatricians will often tackle difficult topics outside the scope of a traditional appointment including driving, moving to a more supportive environment, and bringing help into the home.

If an older adult and their family feel that all their needs are being met by their current physician, then there is no need to make a change.? But all too often I hear stories from clients who feel that their doctor is too busy to be able to spend as much time with them as they would like.

Passing this on to my in-laws,

?Lynn

?

Tags: aging, Baby Boomers, Elderly, Family Caregivers, Geriatricians, Medical appointments, Seniors

Source: http://blog.eldercaresolutionsofmi.org/index.php/2013/01/why-do-we-need-a-geriatrician/

demi moore 911 call ipo jim rome ufc on fox 2 weigh ins convulsions john tyler chuck