Geriatrician

The Role of a Geriatrician: What They Do and When You Might Need One Aging is a part of life, and a beautiful one, too. With it comes wisdom, deeper relationships, and a new perspective on what truly matters. But let’s be honest, it also comes with some changes that can be tricky to manage. Maybe you’ve noticed that your energy isn’t what it used to be. Or your memory feels a little fuzzy. Maybe you’re juggling multiple medications or appointments with different specialists. If any of this sounds familiar, whether for yourself or someone you care about, it might be time to meet a geriatric doctor. Think of a geriatrician as a doctor who “gets it” when it comes to aging. They’re not just treating diseases, they’re helping you live fully, safely, and on your own terms. So… What Exactly Is a Geriatrician? A geriatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of older adults. They’ve spent extra years training to understand how aging affects the body, mind, and spirit. Their goal isn’t just to treat what’s wrong, it’s to help you stay independent, feel supported, and enjoy the life you love for as long as possible. They look at the big picture, not just test results or symptoms, and help you navigate the realities of getting older with dignity, respect, and compassion. How Geriatricians Make a Difference You might be used to doctors who spend 10 minutes with you, rush through your chart, and send you on your way with another prescription. That’s not how geriatricians work. They listen, really listen. They want to understand your life, your goals, your concerns, and the things that matter most to you. They know that aging isn’t one-size-fits-all, and their care reflects that.Geriatricians help you: Manage multiple health conditions without feeling overwhelmed Avoid dangerous drug interactions from too many medications Stay steady on your feet and prevent falls Catch early signs of memory loss, mood changes, or confusion Make long-term plans for care that honor your wishes It’s about care that’s not just smart, but human. The 5 M’s of Geriatric Care: What They Focus On There’s a simple framework geriatricians use to guide how they care for patients. It’s called the 5 M’s of Geriatrics, and it makes sure no important part of your health gets overlooked: 1. MindCaring for your brain is just as important as caring for your body. Geriatricians check in on memory, mood, focus, and screen for conditions like depression or dementia.2. MobilityStaying active, even a little, is key to staying independent. Your geriatrician will talk about movement, balance, and ways to avoid falls.3. MedicationsOlder adults are often prescribed a lot of medications. Geriatricians are experts in simplifying your medication list, removing what you don’t need, and making sure everything works safely together.4. Multi-complexityMost seniors don’t just have “one thing” going on. Geriatricians help make sense of multiple health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, and create one clear plan that works for you.5. Matters MostThis is the heart of geriatric care. What matters most to you? Walking to the mailbox every day? Cooking your own meals? Attending family gatherings? Geriatricians help you live in a way that protects and honors those priorities. Want to learn more about this approach? Read our blog on The 5 M’s of Geriatrics When Might You (or a Loved One) Need a Geriatrician? Not every older adult needs to switch to a geriatrician right away. But there are certain moments when having that extra layer of specialized care really helps. You might want to schedule a visit with a geriatrician if: You’re 65 or older and managing more than one health issue You’ve had a recent fall or feel unsteady You’re taking 5+ medications and feel confused or concerned You or a loved one is showing signs of memory loss, personality changes, or confusion You’re feeling overwhelmed caring for an aging parent and need support You want to plan ahead for aging at home, long-term care, or advance healthcare wishes At AHC Specialty Clinics, our geriatric doctor specializes in helping older adults and families during these exact moments. You don’t have to figure it out on your own, we’re here to help you every step of the way. It’s Not Just About Treating Illness, It’s About Staying Well Here’s a secret about geriatric care, it’s not just for when things go wrong. It’s also about staying healthy, active, and connected as long as possible. A geriatrician might help you: Keep your brain sharp with simple memory-strengthening strategies Find movement that feels good (and not painful) Eat in a way that supports your energy, bones, and overall wellness Get better sleep and manage stress more easily Stay connected to family, friends, or your sense of purpose These conversations are gentle, practical, and rooted in your real life, not just a textbook. For simple, powerful ways to stay well, read: Preventive Care for Healthy Aging  Why Geriatric Care Is More Important Than Ever We’re living longer than ever before. According to the National Institute on Aging, the number of Americans over age 65 is growing fast, and so is the need for doctors who understand aging. That’s why the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), American Geriatrics Society, and other U.S. health agencies are urging people to think ahead and plan for long-term wellness. And here’s the good news, older adults who work with a geriatrician tend to have: Fewer hospital visits Fewer medication complications More independence Better quality of life It’s not just good medicine, it’s good living. Geriatricians Help Caregivers, Too If you’re helping care for an aging parent or spouse, you know how heavy that responsibility can feel. You’re not just managing doctor visits, you’re juggling emotions, decisions, and maybe even guilt or confusion. A geriatrician can help by: Creating a clear care plan that everyone understands Helping with long-term care planning Providing guidance on Medicare, in-home care, or assisted living Supporting your mental

What is Geriatrics and Why is Geriatric Care Essential for Aging Well? Aging is a natural phase of life that brings with it unique challenges and opportunities. As people age, they often require specialized healthcare to maintain their quality of life, independence, and dignity. This is where geriatrics, the branch of medicine dedicated to the care of older adults, plays a vital role. Understanding what geriatrics entails and why geriatric care is crucial can empower individuals and families to make informed choices about aging well. What is Geriatrics? Geriatrics focuses on the health and well-being of older adults, typically those aged 65 and above. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of common health conditions in this population. Unlike other medical fields, geriatrics takes a natural approach, addressing physical health and cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. A geriatrician, a doctor specializing in geriatrics, is trained to handle the complexities of aging. They create tailored care plans addressing older adults’ specific health and lifestyle needs. These plans often consider multiple factors, such as chronic conditions, mobility limitations, mental health, and medication management. What is Geriatric Care? Geriatric care goes beyond medical treatment. It is a comprehensive approach to supporting older adults as they navigate the aging process. This care can take many forms, including: 1. Medical Management Geriatric care addresses chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Geriatricians ensure that treatment plans are tailored to minimize side effects and avoid complications from multiple medications (polypharmacy). 2. Cognitive Health With age, cognitive issues like memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease become more prevalent. Geriatric care includes early detection, management, and support for cognitive decline. 3. Emotional Well-Being Older adults may face feelings of isolation, depression, or anxiety. Geriatric care emphasizes mental health, providing resources and support to enhance emotional resilience. 4. Functional Independence Helping seniors maintain their independence is a core goal of geriatric care. This includes physical therapy, fall prevention, and assistive devices to improve mobility and safety. 5. End-of-Life Care Geriatric care also involves sensitive and compassionate planning for end-of-life stages, ensuring comfort and dignity during this time. 6. Care Coordination Geriatricians often work in collaboration with a team of healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members to deliver seamless care. Why is Geriatric Care Essential for Aging Well? The importance of geriatric care cannot be overstated. It plays a critical role in ensuring that older adults live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Reasons for the need for geriatric care: 1. Managing Complex Health Conditions Older adults often face multiple health issues simultaneously. Geriatric care ensures these conditions are managed effectively, reducing the risk of complications. For example, a geriatrician might prioritize treatments for a patient with both diabetes and heart disease, ensuring that one condition’s management doesn’t worsen the other. 2. Promoting Preventive Health Prevention is a cornerstone of geriatric care. Routine health screenings for bone density, cholesterol, cancer, and cognitive health help identify potential concerns early, ensuring prompt and effective care. 3. Reducing Polypharmacy Risks Many older adults take several medications, which can lead to harmful drug interactions or side effects. Geriatricians carefully review and optimize medication regimens to improve safety. 4. Enhancing Quality of Life Geriatric care focuses on improving daily living. Whether it’s through pain management, mobility assistance, or emotional support, the goal is to help seniors enjoy their golden years to the fullest. 5. Supporting Caregivers Caring for seniors demands significant physical and emotional strength. Geriatric care provides caregivers with guidance, education, and respite resources, ensuring they are supported in their vital role. 6. Adapting to Individual Needs Every aging journey is unique. Geriatric care embraces this individuality, creating personalized care plans that respect a patient’s preferences, values, and goals. 7. Addressing Social and Emotional Challenges Loneliness and isolation greatly harm older adults’ mental and physical well-being. Geriatric care includes strategies to foster social connections and emotional well-being. How Geriatric Care Helps Families Families play an integral role in the care of older adults, and geriatric care helps ease the burden on loved ones. By providing expert guidance and coordinated care, geriatricians ensure that families are equipped to make informed decisions. This support fosters peace of mind, knowing that their aging loved ones are receiving the best possible care. How to Access Geriatric Care If you or a loved one is considering geriatric care, the first step is to consult a geriatrician. These specialists are typically found in hospitals, clinics, or dedicated geriatric care centers. Additionally, many primary care physicians collaborate with geriatricians to provide comprehensive care. Conclusion Geriatrics and geriatric care provide the tools and support needed to navigate the challenges of aging while maximizing quality of life. By prioritizing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and fostering emotional well-being, geriatric care empowers older adults to thrive in every aspect of life. Embracing geriatric care is not just an investment in health—it’s an investment in dignity, independence, and happiness. Whether for yourself or a loved one, exploring the benefits of geriatric care can make all the difference in aging with grace and resilience.  Take charge of your health journey with Dr. Aurelio Manto’s expert geriatric care at Athens Heart Center. Schedule a consultation today for personalized, compassionate care that supports aging with dignity and vitality. Resources Department of Health & Human Services | HHS.gov https://www.americangeriatrics.org/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/