What is geriatric medicine?

Geriatric medicine is an internal medicine subspecialty providing complete health care to people 65 and older.

It’s possible to get sick at any age, but complex medical problems are more likely the older you get. Considering that 80% of older Americans have one chronic disease (and 68% have at least two), scheduling regular preventive screenings and physical exams makes lots of sense.

What health problems does geriatric medicine treat?

The Rahma Health team uses geriatric medicine to treat various age-related health problems, including:

• Vision loss
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease
• Foot problems like bunions, hammertoe, and plantar fasciitis
• Cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias)
• Weakness and frailty
• Vertigo
• Incontinence
• Heart disease

Geriatric medicine provides mental health care as well. Many seniors suffer from depression and/or anxiety disorders associated with loneliness. Counseling, prescription medicine, and healthy lifestyle changes might improve their mood and outlook.

Who should enroll in geriatric medicine?

Consider geriatric medicine at Rahma Health if you’re 65 or older and concerned about your general well-being. That’s particularly true if you have several medical conditions, experience a decline in your general health, or have an age-related health problem like incontinence that affects your daily life.

What happens during a geriatric medicine visit?

Your Rahma Health provider reviews your medical records and asks about your lifestyle, including if you use tobacco or drink alcohol, how often you exercise, and whether you take any prescription drugs. Answer your provider’s questions honestly: Your feedback helps them determine the best treatment.

Your provider completes a physical exam and orders lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. They might order additional testing like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an electrocardiogram.

After developing a complete picture of your general health, your provider creates a custom care plan. Their goal is to promote good health, keep chronic medical conditions in check, and help you live the highest quality of life possible.

What does geriatric medicine involve?

The Rahma Health team tailors geriatric medicine to each patient’s needs. They could recommend:

• Medically supervised weight loss
• Mental health care
• Chronic disease management
• Preventive screenings
• Prescription medicine
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Referrals to specialists

Call Rahma Health today to request a geriatric medicine appointment, or book your visit online.