Geriatrician

Geriatrics is a medical specialty concerned with examining and treating older adults with complex health problems. These often involve a combination of physical, psychological and social problems. The physician who focuses entirely on these patients is called a geriatrician.

What is a geriatrician?

A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine. The geriatrician examines and treats people with health problems caused by aging. Increasing age can also negatively affect these symptoms. This concerns older adults with multiple health problems that do not fall within a single medical specialty.

Not every older patient therefore sees a geriatrician. Osteoarthritis, for example, mainly affects older people. However, if this joint problem is the only complaint, an orthopedic surgeon is the appropriate specialist.

A geriatrician becomes involved when the patient, in addition to osteoarthritis, also has memory loss, for example. As a result, the patient may forget how to walk with crutches after surgery and therefore cannot be left alone.

What does a geriatrician do?

The older someone gets, the greater the chance of developing an age-related disease. Examples include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and balance problems. The risk of developing multiple conditions at the same time also increases. This often leads to complex clinical presentations. It can also sometimes be difficult to explain exactly what is wrong.

It is the geriatrician's task to determine what is wrong and propose a possible solution or treatment. Unfortunately, a full recovery is not always possible. The main goals are then to maintain or improve independence and quality of life.

Common problems seen in a geriatrician's office include:

• Physical problems, such as:
  • Walking problems and falls.
  • Incontinence (bowel and bladder problems).
  • Eating problems.
• Psychological problems, such as:
  • Memory loss.
  • Confusion.
  • Behavioral problems.
  • Depression.
• Social problems, such as:
  • No longer being able to pursue a hobby.
  • No longer being able to live independently at home.
  • Having few social contacts due to illness.
  • Using many medications at the same time.
• A combination of complaints.

How do you see a geriatrician?

As with other medical specialists, the primary care physician refers you to a geriatrician. Depending on the complaints, an appointment is made at the hospital's outpatient clinic. This might be the falls clinic for walking and balance problems or the memory clinic for forgetfulness.

In more serious or acute cases, the patient is admitted to the hospital for further examination and treatment.
Someone may also already be hospitalized for another problem, such as waking up confused from anesthesia after surgery. In that case, the geriatrician is also called in.

Because geriatric patients often have difficulty putting their problems into words, plenty of time is taken to discuss their complaints and wishes. This happens in the presence of family members, caregivers or other people close to the patient.

Where does a geriatrician work?

A geriatrician works in a hospital or nursing home and is part of a multidisciplinary team. This team also includes other doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and activity coordinators. Such a team is important for addressing all the problems properly. This ensures that every patient receives the care they need.

How do you prepare yourself or someone close to you for the first visit to a geriatrician?

• Bring someone from your immediate circle, such as a partner, close friend or adult child. They can listen and remember everything that is said. It may also be necessary for someone else to speak on your behalf.
• Make a list of questions at home in advance. Also write down complaints related to physical, mental and social functioning, your medical history, surgeries, therapies received and medications used.
• Think about the treatment goals you want to achieve and what you absolutely do not want to happen.