Aging brings natural changes to the body, mind, and daily routine. For many older adults, these changes arrive alongside several health conditions that need to be managed together. At Associates in Medicine & Surgery, our geriatric care within internal medicine focuses on the whole person, with the goal of supporting health, comfort, and independence as people grow older.

Geriatric medicine is a branch of internal medicine that focuses on adults in later life. Clinicians who practice in this area receive additional training in how the body and mind change with age, and in how illness can look different in older adults than in younger patients. Good geriatric care also emphasizes staying active, managing day-to-day function, and preventing problems before they begin.

What Geriatric Care Addresses

Geriatric care can help with many concerns that commonly arise in older adults, including:

• Several chronic conditions that need to be managed at the same time

• Changes in vision or hearing that affect daily activities

• Memory changes, confusion, or concerns about cognition

• Low mood, anxiety, or changes in motivation

• Falls, balance problems, or fear of falling

• Bone health concerns, including osteoporosis and osteopenia

• Urinary incontinence and other age-related bladder concerns

• Questions about nutrition, weight changes, or appetite

• Medication questions, including side effects or the number of medicines being taken

When You Might Seek Care

You may wish to schedule a visit if you notice changes in your energy, mobility, memory, vision, hearing, or mood. Many people also seek care when they have recently been hospitalized, when they take several medications from different prescribers, or when a family member has raised concerns about their safety or wellbeing at home. A routine preventive visit is also a useful time to talk about what matters most to you.

If you have sudden symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, facial drooping, or severe confusion, seek emergency care right away rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

What an Evaluation May Involve

A geriatric evaluation is usually broader than a standard checkup. Your clinician may take time to understand your overall health, daily routines, and goals. An evaluation may include:

1. A detailed medical history, covering current conditions, past illnesses, surgeries, and family health history.

2. A physical examination, with attention to issues that are especially relevant to older adults, such as balance, gait, and blood pressure changes.

3. A medication review, which looks at all prescription, over-the-counter, and supplement use to check for interactions and unnecessary medicines.

4. Vision and hearing checks, since changes in either can affect independence, safety, and mood.

5. Cognitive and mood screening, to better understand memory, attention, and emotional wellbeing.

6. Fall risk assessment, including questions about recent falls and home safety.

7. Bone health and nutrition review, which may include discussion of diet, weight, and whether bone density testing is appropriate.

8. A discussion of your goals, including what you value most and how you would like your care to fit your life.

Some evaluations also involve input from nurses, pharmacists, social workers, or other professionals, depending on your needs and what is available to you.

General Approaches to Care

Treatment plans in geriatric care are typically individualized. Common approaches may include:

• Prevention: Strategies such as fall prevention, healthy eating, physical activity, and appropriate vaccinations.

• Medication review: Adjusting or reducing medications when a clinician believes it is safe and appropriate to do so.

• Management of chronic conditions: Working to keep ongoing conditions stable while considering your priorities.

• Referrals: Connecting you with specialists such as eye doctors, ear, nose, and throat specialists who can assess hearing needs, or other professionals based on your concerns.

• Support resources: Discussing community, social, or caregiver resources that may help you remain safely at home.

Recommendations for screening and testing can vary between guidelines and depend on each person's health. Your clinician can explain which options may make sense for you.

Next Steps

Every older adult's health picture is different. The information on this page is for general education and does not replace a personal medical evaluation. If you have questions about your own health, memory, mobility, or medications, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional at Associates in Medicine & Surgery. Our team is glad to help you understand your options and plan your care.