Many of us grow attached to our primary doctor. They know our health history and we build a personal relationship with them over time. However, as we age, our health care needs can drastically change. Senior citizens often face frequent health issues and sometimes it is beneficial for aging adults to switch to a geriatric doctor.
Geriatric doctors are medical doctors who specialize in senior citizens and older adults. They have trained and studied the aging process. They are board-certified in family or internal medicine, and also have a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. Geriatric doctors focus on health issues that arise in older adults such as memory loss, incontinence, and frequent falls. They can treat dementia, heart diseases, diabetes, and so forth which can be common in older adults.
As you age, you face certain illnesses that are commonly occur due to aging. A geriatric doctor is well-versed in the issues that you will face, allowing them to provide valuable guidance and suggest proper treatment. If you switch over to a geriatric doctor, they often have a team of nurses, social workers, nutritionists, psychiatrists, and therapists who also specialize in senior care.
You can remain with your original primary physician as you age but switching to a geriatric doctor is something to consider. If as you age, you notice your medical complications adding up, it is a great option to consider. The American Geriatrics Society suggests consulting a geriatrician if you age-related frailty and impairment often occur or if your condition causes tremendous stress on family, friends, and caregivers.
If you are going to look for a geriatric doctor, talk with your current primary doctor first. They will likely be able to refer you to a good geriatric doctor. Set up an appointment with a few different geriatric doctors and get a feel for each of them. After the initial meetings, choose the geriatric doctor that you could communicate with the best.
