Caring for older adults is an important part of healthcare that focuses on the special needs of the elderly. As our loved ones get older, their health issues become more complicated, requiring expert care. Home health services are important because they provide complete, personalized care in the comfort of the senior's own home.

These services make sure that older people get the help they need without the stress and upset of moving to a medical facility. Join our team at APEX Health Services as we explore the benefits of geriatric care at home and how it can improve the lives of our elderly family members.

Understanding Geriatric Care

Geriatric care is a specialized branch of healthcare focused on meeting the distinct medical, psychological, and social needs of older adults. Its primary goals are to promote healthy aging, effectively manage chronic conditions, and enhance the overall quality of life for seniors.

This field includes a broad spectrum of services such as preventive care, diagnostic evaluations, treatment of age-related diseases, and the comprehensive management of complex health issues. Geriatric care managers also play an important role in coordinating these services to ensure that each patient receives personalized and holistic care.

Geriatric professionals prioritize five essential areas in caring for older adults, known as the Geriatrics 5Ms: Multicomplexity, Mind, Mobility, Medications, and what Matters Most.

When Should You Consider Geriatric Care?

While geriatricians specialize in caring for older adults, there's no fixed age at which one must transition to geriatric doctors. In fact, some individuals may never opt for geriatric care. A 65-year-old person might need geriatric care due to multiple age-related health issues, whereas an 80-year-old in excellent health might not need such specialized care.

Classifications of Geriatric Care

Types of geriatric care can generally be classified into two main categories: geriatric medicine and geriatric care management. Together, these approaches aim to provide comprehensive healthcare and enhance the quality of life for elderly patients. We’ve provided an overview of each type:

Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric medicine, also referred to as geriatrics, is a specialized field focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. Practitioners in this area, including geriatricians and nurse practitioners, address a wide range of age-related health issues such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, incontinence, fall-related injuries, and the complexities of managing multiple medications (polypharmacy).

Geriatricians undergo extensive training similar to primary care physicians, with an additional two years of specialized education specifically tailored to the complex health needs of elderly patients. Geriatric nurses, who are registered nurses, also receive additional training and clinical experience in gerontological nursing.

Geriatric Care Management

Geriatric care management involves coordinating and planning care for older adults facing functional limitations or specific medical needs. Geriatric care managers, often health professionals in gerontology, social work, or nursing, have an in-depth knowledge of healthcare services, costs, and accessibility. They help seniors and their families in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Roles of a Geriatric Care Manager

Geriatric care managers are essential in ensuring elderly individuals receive tailored care that meets their unique requirements. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessing care needs: Evaluating the need for in-home care and guaranteeing the safety of the living environment.
• Family consultation: Advising families on the challenges of elder care and recommending appropriate care solutions.
• Developing care plans: Creating personalized care strategies addressing short-term and long-term needs.
• Coordinating services: Organizing healthcare providers, including medical professionals, mental health services, and therapists.
• Facilitating medical care: Arranging appointments and referrals to specialists as needed.
• Assisting with transitions: Providing support during moves to new living arrangements if necessary.
• Daily living assistance: This involves helping with activities like bathing, dressing, mobility (such as walking or using aids), toileting, eating (including meal preparation and feeding assistance if required), and grooming (such as hair care, shaving, and oral hygiene). This assistance is crucial for preserving independence, enhancing comfort, and fostering overall well-being.
• Insurance management: Helping families understand and manage insurance policies related to elder care.
• Monitoring health: Continuously assessing the health status of seniors and adjusting care plans accordingly.
• Family communication: Keeping relatives informed about health updates and changes in care plans.
• Emotional support: Providing ongoing emotional support to seniors and their families.
• Respite for family caregivers: Providing temporary relief and respite services to family caregivers when needed.

What Does a Geriatric Assessment Include?

A geriatric assessment involves a series of evaluations to assess an elderly person's physical health, mental well-being, cognitive abilities, and functional capacity, among other aspects. It typically incorporates questionnaires and assessments related to:

• Activities of daily living
• Medical conditions
• Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and mood
• Social support and engagement
• Fall and injury risks
• Nutritional status

Geriatric assessments can uncover specific issues that might not show up in a routine physical examination, helping to guide treatment plans and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

Geriatricians vs. Gerontologists: What Are the Key Differences?

Geriatricians specialize in geriatric medicine as medical doctors. They receive formal training to diagnose and treat diverse health issues that affect older adults. Their focus is entirely on addressing the medical needs of elderly patients.

On the other hand, gerontologists aren’t medical doctors but trained professionals in aging-related matters. They offer supportive services and care to older adults, although their role doesn't encompass the extensive medical scope of a geriatrician. Gerontologists come from diverse fields like social work and dentistry and may achieve certification in gerontology.

Primary Goals of Geriatric Care

Geriatric care encompasses various essential aspects tailored to address specific health needs and improve overall quality of life.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is fundamental in geriatric medicine and it aims to avert diseases and maintain independence through regular health screenings, vaccinations, and education. Screenings detect health issues early, while vaccinations protect against illnesses like flu and pneumonia. Health education empowers seniors and their caregivers with knowledge of healthy living, nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention, aiming to reduce hospitalizations and promote long-term wellness.

Chronic Disease Management

Managing chronic conditions is critical for many seniors. Geriatric care involves personalized treatment plans, precise medication management, and continuous monitoring. Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis require tailored care strategies to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Professionals, including geriatricians, nurse practitioners, and therapists, collaborate to provide comprehensive care, improving the quality of life and minimizing health risks.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses such as advanced cancer or severe heart disease. It aims to alleviate symptoms, enhance comfort, and offer emotional and psychological support. This holistic approach manages pain, respiratory issues, and other distressing symptoms with the goal of improving overall well-being. Palliative care teams, including geriatric care managers and mental health professionals, help patients and families navigate complex health decisions, respecting patient preferences for end-of-life care.