With advancing age, our mental and physical abilities tend to diminish and expose us to the risk of numerous health issues like stroke, dementia, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and dehydration. Are you looking for reliable elderly care for your loved one who was recently discharged from the hospital? Does your loved one find it difficult to talk, walk or remember directions? Then, you should consider geriatric care in Conroe. This post will define Geriatric care, what it mainly entails, and its importance to you and your loved ones.
What Is Geriatric Care?
Geriatric care is simply a general term that describes the healthcare management for elderly individuals. It normally includes both medical and non-medical personal care services. Some of the services involved in geriatric care are physical therapy, IV therapy, dialysis, and occupational therapy. Meanwhile, other types of geriatric non-medical care are home care services like:
- Driving
- Fall prevention
- Bathroom help
- Social care
- Meal preparation
Common Medical Conditions for Seniors
As our bodies start to naturally change with age, the risk for some medical conditions and in turn develop our own special set of difficulties. Falls are the most common concern for seniors as their bones become brittle with advancing age. Other common health concerns for seniors are:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Flu and other respiratory illnesses
Moreover, seniors tend to have a weakened immune system, which exposes them to many major illnesses that would not have been a major issue if they were younger.
When Should You Get Geriatric Care?
Dr. Scarborough of Family Life Medical often recommends that patients check with their doctors more frequently, especially if they have unique health concerns. Routine care is important mainly because your doctor can effectively treat most geriatric health problems if they are detected early enough.
According to Jeannie Vestrum, the director of program development for Visiting Angels, “When you are in the hospital, you are in a crisis, but geriatric care mainly involves tremendously more than an isolated crisis.” Essentially, geriatric care should take place during frequent doctor’s visits.
What Do Geriatric Check-Ups Entail?
At Family Life Medical, our geriatric check-up focuses on the individual’s health problems of seniors. Dr. Scarborough tracks the patient’s blood pressure to be compared with past readings and used as a baseline for future comparison. Also, your weight and height are measured to determine if any major changes require investigation. A drastic weight change can be an indication of fluid retention.
In most geriatric check-ups, blood tests are usually performed to evaluate the patient’s glucose level, electrolytes, thyroid functions, etc. Several tests and evaluations may be required in cases where the patient’s condition is a major concern and exhibit unique health complications. Generally, your doctor will determine which tests you need, depending on your medical history.
Conclusion
Dr. Kyle Scarborough at the Family Life Medical in Conroe, Texas, has both exemplary medical expertise and the compassionate approach needed to guarantee proper care of older patients. Dr. Scarborough has also adopted a unique approach strategically designed to help treat patients with unique health problems. To learn more, contact the hospital by scheduling an appointment online or calling the Conroe office to speak with the staff.
