Geriatrician

Geriatric medicine is a medical speciality 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 the geriatrician.

What is a geriatrician?

A geriatrician is a doctor who specialises in geriatric medicine. The geriatrician examines and treats people who have health problems. These problems have arisen due to ageing. Increasing age can also have a negative effect on the symptoms. This concerns older people who have several health problems that do not fall within a single medical speciality.

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

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

What does a geriatrician do?

The older someone 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 several conditions at the same time also increases. This often results in complex clinical presentations. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult to explain exactly what is wrong.

It is the geriatrician's task to find out what is wrong and to suggest 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 clinic include:

• Physical problems, such as:
  • Walking difficulties 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 due to illness.
  • Taking many medicines at the same time.
• A combination of complaints.

How do you see a geriatrician?

As with other medical specialists, it is the GP who refers someone to a geriatrician. Depending on the complaints, an appointment is then made at the hospital's outpatient clinic . This could be, for example, the falls clinic for walking and balance problems or the memory clinic for forgetfulness.

In more serious or acute cases, someone 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, someone may wake 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 complaints and wishes. This is done in the presence of family members, 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 properly. This ensures that each patient receives the care they need.

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

• Bring someone from your immediate circle. 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.
• Make a list of questions at home in advance, but also write down the complaints relating to physical, mental and social functioning, medical history, operations and therapies received, and medicines taken.
• Think about the treatment goals you want to achieve and what you absolutely do not want to happen.