Geriatrics refers to the field of medicine that deals with older adults. Geriatricians have a number of responsibilities, including protecting the health of the elderly and ensuring their welfare. They must also consider their patients' mental and physical abilities, as well as legal responsibility and competence. They must also support informed consent, and resist temptation to manipulate or mislead them. For example, geriatricians may be reluctant to disclose a poor prognosis or a probable recovery from surgery to patients who may not be able to understand it.
Geriatricians are primary care physicians who specialize in the care of older patients. They practice in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. These doctors are well-trained to handle the unique needs of older patients and their families. They are also required to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a given treatment option, so they can provide the best care for older patients.
Aging patients commonly suffer from a range of conditions. Some are acute, and come on suddenly (such as urinary tract infection). Others are chronic, and develop with age. For example, arthritis and COPD usually show up with advancing age. These conditions may be life-threatening.
Geriatrics also focuses on providing services that improve the quality of life and wellness of older adults. Geriatricians help older patients and their caregivers by providing direct care, referrals, and support strategies. They help patients and their families navigate the difficulties they face. They also work with other physicians to coordinate care and prevent further debilitating conditions.
Geriatricians are specialized physicians who focus on the needs of older adults. They may prescribe medications to patients of any age, as long as they have some impairment or frailty that makes it difficult to take prescribed medications. Additionally, they may provide advice to family caregivers.
A geriatrician's job involves evaluating the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of elderly patients. Their geriatric training and expertise enable them to provide effective care to patients with a variety of medical conditions. The focus is to promote their health and reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
Geriatrician care teams are comprised of a team of specialists that focus on the needs of older adults. These healthcare professionals may be doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. These professionals work together with other primary care physicians to ensure the health of older adults. They use an integrated approach that considers the patient's lifestyle, the patient's family, and their environment.
Another clinical challenge faced by geriatrics is delirium, a condition in which elderly patients are unable to recall their symptoms. Delirium may lead to a range of health problems, and a geriatrician can help prevent this from happening by providing the patient with specialized care.