How is the role of Geriatrician different
27-09-24
How is the role of Geriatrician different?
Dr. Sajesh Asokan, a Senior Consultant Physician at MCS Hospital, Kerala, in a conversation with Healthy Wrinkles, explains How is the role of Geriatrician different? As our population ages, the role of geriatricians becomes increasingly vital in ensuring holistic and specialized care for the elderly. In this blog post, we explore the unique approach of geriatricians, drawing insights from Dr. Sajesh Asokan's illuminating YouTube video on Healthy Wrinkles. Watch our YouTube playlist on care for seniors to know more.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment:
The essence of geriatric care lies in the comprehensive geriatric assessment conducted by geriatricians, internal medicine physicians, or family practitioners. Recognizing that aging affects all bodily systems, the assessment focuses on the specific factors within the patient that are undergoing changes. This approach classifies patients into age groups, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their health status and potential challenges.
A Holistic Perspective:
Geriatricians adopt a patient-centric model, placing the elderly patient at the center of their care strategy. Given that elderly patients often present with multiple comorbidities—ranging from cardiovascular issues to neurological diseases and surgical concerns—the geriatrician coordinates with various specialists. This collaborative effort involves referrals when necessary, ensuring that the patient receives comprehensive care from a team of experts.
Community and Hospital-Based Geriatrics:
Geriatrics extends beyond hospital settings to community-based care. In the community, family physicians with specialized training in geriatrics play a crucial role. They conduct house visits, especially in rural areas, addressing the unique healthcare needs of elderly individuals who may not seek medical attention proactively. Community geriatrics becomes a bridge, connecting seniors with essential medical care and guidance, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
Challenges in Geriatric Awareness:
Dr. Sajesh Asokan highlights a significant challenge in geriatric care—the lack of awareness among seniors. Unlike pediatrics, where parents are well-informed and actively seek pediatricians for their children, elderly individuals often lack awareness of geriatric practices. This gap emphasizes the importance of family physicians, general practitioners (GPs), and geriatricians in guiding and treating elderly patients who may not otherwise seek medical attention until a critical need arises.
Conclusion:
In a society where aging is an inevitable reality, geriatricians emerge as the linchpin in providing specialized and compassionate healthcare to the elderly. Dr. Sajesh Asokan's insights underscore the need for a collaborative and community-focused approach, making geriatric care not just a medical service but a holistic support system for our seniors.
Whether you are searching for informative articles, or looking for healthcare providers, Healthywrinkles is an excellent resource for all your senior care needs. We also have a great compilation of all the medical expert talks for healthy aging on Healthy Wrinkle YouTube channel.
Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the information represents the author's views and not those of Healthy Wrinkles.