When an older adult faces age-related health issues like Alzheimer's or dementia, geriatric care can be a good choice for getting help. Learn why geriatrics — an area of medicine focused on older adults — might be the right option for you or the person in your care.
What is geriatric care?
Geriatric care is specialized medical care and support for older adults, typically adults over age 65. Aiming to improve overall quality of life and promote healthy aging, geriatric care usually designs custom care plans for complex medical needs. These plans may involve managing multiple health conditions at the same time.
Common health issues include:
- Cognitive decline, often Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
- Chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc.
- Mobility issues.
- Sensory impairments.
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc.).
- Malnutrition.
- Polypharmacy (regularly taking multiple medications).
- Insomnia or sleep issues.
- Urinary incontinence.
Medical care starts with a comprehensive health assessment. Often this means pinpointing chronic conditions and cognitive function. It may also involve preventative care like vaccinations and medication management. Other recommendations might include guidance for healthy lifestyle changes.
Along with medical care, a geriatric care plan may take emotional support into account. Common ways to support emotional well-being in a care plan include counseling, therapy, support groups, etc.
Depending on specific needs, other services and options might give caregivers extra support. Options range from home health care to long-term care settings like nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities.
While they may sound similar, there are major differences between geriatricians and gerontologists. Unlike geriatrics, which involves the care of older adults, gerontology is a field of study that explores how humans age throughout their lives. Gerontologists study a variety of disciplines — sociology, psychology, public health, research, etc. — but might not identify as a geriatrician. In contrast, a geriatrician might also consider themselves a gerontologist.
Gerontology professionals look at the aging process as a whole and tend to have a more personal relationship with their patients. Geriatrics, on the other hand, centers around the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases afflicting older adults.
When to see a geriatrician
A geriatrician is a primary care doctor with specialized training in caring for older adults. They're part of internal medicine or family medical doctors with additional training in geriatric medicine. If you start to notice age-related conditions impacting the day-to-day life of you or the person in your care, it might be time to consider seeking help from a geriatrician.
Geriatricians may specialize in cognitive decline, specifically Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Keep an eye out for early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which impact memory, reasoning or decision-making abilities.
While a geriatrician can be a helpful part of your care team, consider getting more support from additional care providers: geriatric nurses, social workers, physical therapists, aging life care managers and other health care professionals.
How to find a geriatrician
When looking for a geriatrician, your primary care physician or health care provider is a good starting point. Go over your specific care needs and preferences, then ask for a referral to a geriatrician.
You can also search health care provider directories. Insurance companies typically offer an online directory allowing you to search for geriatricians. Search based on location, specialty, gender and accepted insurance plans. If there’s a "specialty" option, add the terms "geriatrician" or "geriatric doctor".
Geriatric medicine departments or academic medical centers might also help narrow your search. Look for departments specialized in geriatric medicine. Some may even have experienced geriatricians, onsite and available to help.
Another option is the , a database of dementia and aging-related resources that makes it easy for individuals and families to find programs and services in your area. Not sure where to start your search for a geriatrician? Talk to a dementia expert with our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
How to choose a geriatrician
Picking a geriatrician starts with figuring out what type of care is best for you or your family member. Specific age-related medical concerns with cognitive decline, mobility or chronic illness are best suited for a geriatrician.
Understanding how much help you or your loved one needs for daily activities might also lead you to seek the care of a geriatric physician. This might mean figuring out how much extra support is needed for medication management, daily movement (standing, walking, getting in and out of cars, etc.) and routine personal hygiene like showering or brushing teeth.
Once you’ve decided to take the specialized care of a geriatrician, look for board certification in geriatrics. Search certification websites for board-certified family doctors and narrow your search under additional qualifications for “geriatric medicine.” Take into account how many years of experience the geriatrician has. Find out if they treat age-related conditions most relevant to you or the person in your care.
When choosing a geriatrician, consider these questions:
- Are they accepting new patients?
- Are their specialties relevant to you or the person you're caring for? (e.g., Alzheimer's and other dementias, balance disorders, heart disease, etc.)
- Does their office work with your insurance?
- Is their office location convenient?
- Do they offer telemedicine? (This is a good option for follow-up appointments and/or if mobility is a concern.)
- Is their office easy enough to get to? (Consider distance, traffic, parking, etc.)
- How easy is it to make appointments?
- Does their office answer the phone often?
- Does their staff follow up promptly?
Not sure whether a geriatric doctor is the right choice? Learn more about choosing care providers.