What is geriatrics?
Geriatrics is a branch of medicine that deals with the elderly. Providers that offer geriatric care need to have extensive knowledge when it comes to assessing, diagnosing, and helping geriatric patients.
Geriatrics is one of the most sensitive and thorough areas of health care. It is important that geriatric wellness exams are performed by a provider with patience, specificity, and compassion. At B You Body and Skin Care Solutions, we treat our geriatric patients carefully and compassionately, keeping them comfortable and at ease throughout the entire appointment.
Why are geriatric patients different?
Geriatric patients are unique because they generally present with multiple medical conditions. Additionally, because their exams are so extensive, elderly patients can easily tire or become disoriented. It’s important for the provider to be able to identify when a patient is becoming fatigued. Furthermore, some geriatric patients may be cognitively impaired and/or suffering from memory loss. The provider must be able to decipher the patient’s medical and health needs to best serve the patient.
How long does a geriatric exam take?
Providers that offer geriatric care need to speak slowly and clearly, sometimes repeating themselves until the patient understands. They also need to be prepared to wait for the patient to comprehend and respond to what they asked. This can take a while. Sometimes geriatric exams take place in more than one visit if the patient becomes too fatigued to continue.
What does the provider check for during a geriatric exam?
The provider will assess the patient’s overall physical and mental state. They will check the body for any abnormalities or signs of elder abuse. In addition to checking the mental state, the provider will check the patient’s mobility to assess if the patient is a fall risk.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is an inappropriate action performed on a elderly person by someone in a position of trust or power. This could be a caregiver or family member. Elderly people are often unaware when they are being abused. Therefore, it is up to medical professionals to identify the warning signs associated with neglect and abuse of an elder. Different forms of elder abuse include: physical, psychological, sexual, and neglect.
What are some signs of elder abuse?
Some signs of elder abuse include:
- Frequent infections
- Lack of hygiene
- Bruising
- Bed sores
- Changes in mental status
- Broken bones or unexplained fractures
Schedule medical care in Maple Ridge, BC
To schedule geriatric care at B You Body and Skin Care Solutions at Mageta Family Medical Clinic, please call our office at(236) 885-5444 or fill out our online request form to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.