Geriatrician

Geriatric medicine is a medical specialty concerned with assessing and treating older adults with complex health problems. There is often a combination of physical, psychological and social problems. The doctor who focuses entirely on these patients is the geriatrician.

What is a geriatrician?

A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in geriatric medicine. The geriatrician examines and treats people with health problems caused by ageing. Increasing age can also negatively affect these problems. 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, is a condition that mainly occurs in somewhat older people. However, if this joint problem is the only complaint, the orthopaedic surgeon is the appropriate specialist.

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

What does a geriatrician do?

The older someone becomes, 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 results in complex clinical pictures. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult for people to explain exactly what is wrong.

It is the geriatrician's job to find out what is wrong and suggest 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 clinic include:

• Physical problems, such as:
  • Walking difficulties and falls.
  • Incontinence (bowel and bladder problems).
  • Eating problems.
• Psychological problems, such as:
  • Memory loss.
  • Confusion.
  • Behavioural 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 because of illness.
  • Taking many medications at the same time.
• A combination of complaints.

How do you see a geriatrician?

As with other medical specialists, the family physician refers patients to a geriatrician. Depending on the complaints, an appointment is then made at the hospital's outpatient clinic. For example, the falls clinic for walking and balance problems or the memory clinic for forgetfulness.

In more serious or acute cases, someone is admitted to hospital for further examination and treatment.
It can also happen that someone has already been admitted to hospital for another problem. For example, someone may wake up confused from the anaesthetic after surgery. In that case, the geriatrician is also called in.

Because geriatric patients often have difficulty putting into words what is wrong, plenty of time is taken to discuss their complaints and wishes. This is done 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. There, the geriatrician is part of a multidisciplinary team. This team also includes other physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and activity coordinators. Such a team is important for addressing all the problems properly. This ensures that each patient receives the care they need.

How can you prepare yourself or a loved one for the first visit to a geriatrician?

• Bring someone from your immediate circle. This could be a partner, close friend or adult child, for example. 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, but also write down complaints related to physical, mental and social functioning, your medical history, surgeries and therapies received, and medications used.
• Think about the treatment goals you want to achieve and what you absolutely do not want to happen.