Geriatrician

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

What is a geriatrician?

A geriatrician is a doctor who specialises in geriatric medicine. A geriatrician examines and treats people with health problems caused by ageing. Increasing age can also have a negative effect on symptoms. This concerns older people with multiple health problems that do not fall within a single medical specialty.

Therefore, not every older patient sees a geriatrician. Osteoarthritis, for example, is a condition that mainly affects older people. However, if this joint problem is the only complaint, an orthopaedic surgeon is the appropriate specialist.

A geriatrician becomes involved when, in addition to osteoarthritis, the patient also has, for example, memory loss. As a result, the person may forget how to walk with crutches after the operation and therefore cannot be left alone.

What does a geriatrician do?

The older a person 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 medical conditions. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult for a person to explain exactly what is wrong.

It is the geriatrician's job to find out what is wrong and propose 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 consulting room include:

• Physical problems, such as:
  • Walking problems 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.
  • Using many medicines at the same time.
• A combination of symptoms.

How do you see a geriatrician?

As with other medical specialists, it is the GP who refers a patient to a geriatrician. Depending on the symptoms, an appointment is then made at the outpatient clinic in the hospital. For example, at the falls clinic for walking and balance problems or at the memory clinic for forgetfulness.

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

Because geriatric patients often find it difficult to put into words what is wrong, plenty of time is taken to discuss their symptoms and wishes. This is done in the presence of family, carers 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 doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and activity coordinators. Such a team is important for addressing all the problems effectively. This ensures that every patient receives the care they need.

How do you prepare yourself or someone close to you for the first visit to a geriatrician?

• Take someone from your immediate circle with you. 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.
• Prepare a list of questions at home, but also write down symptoms affecting physical, mental and social functioning, your medical history, operations and therapies you have undergone, and the medicines you use.
• Think about the treatment goals you want to achieve and what you absolutely do not want to happen.