Geriatric Medicine
Medicine for older adults is a different job. Symptoms present quietly, several conditions overlap, and the medicine list is often doing as much harm as good. Memory, mobility, nutrition and falls are assessed alongside the diagnosis, because independence is usually what the family came about.
- Medication reviewed and reduced where safe
- Falls assessed as a medical event
- Memory concerns taken seriously
- Families included in the conversation
Stay
Outpatient, with admission where needed
Duration
45 to 60 minutes for a first assessment
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Geriatric Medicine
In an older patient the aim is rarely one cure. It is keeping somebody steady, independent and out of hospital. That means a full review of every medicine, treating falls as a symptom with a cause rather than an accident, and assessing memory and mood alongside the physical problem rather than leaving them for somebody else.
- The medication list is often the most treatable problem
- Falls almost always have a treatable cause
- Memory and mood are assessed alongside the physical complaint
- The family's account is often the most useful part
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about geriatric medicine. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest geriatric medicine.
- Falls, unsteadiness or fear of falling
- Memory loss or confusion
- Frailty, weight loss or poor appetite
- Multiple conditions on several medicines
- Osteoporosis and fracture risk
- Incontinence and bladder problems
- Declining independence at home
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Comprehensive assessment
A longer consultation covering physical health, medication, memory, mood, nutrition, mobility and how you manage at home.
Medication review
Every medicine is reviewed against what it is for and whether it is still needed, including anything bought without prescription.
Falls and mobility
Blood pressure lying and standing, vision, strength and gait are all assessed, because most falls have a treatable cause.
Plan with the family
A plan is agreed with the patient and family together, covering medication changes, referrals and follow-up.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring every medicine box, including anything bought without a prescription
- Bring a family member who sees the patient regularly
- Note any falls, when they happened and what preceded them
- Note specific examples of memory difficulty rather than general impressions
- Bring previous discharge summaries and reports
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Medication is reduced gradually, one at a time, with the reason recorded
- Improvements in alertness and steadiness often follow reducing medication
- Physiotherapy for strength and balance reduces falls measurably
- Follow-up is arranged, as changes need reviewing rather than assuming
- Report any new fall or sudden confusion promptly
Why choose Humayun for older adults
In older patients the most treatable problem is very often the prescription list itself.
- A full review of every medicine, since accumulated prescriptions cause a great deal of harm
- Falls assessed as a medical event rather than an accident
- Memory and mood assessed alongside the physical problem, not left for somebody else
- The family in the room, because they see what happens between appointments
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in General Medicine
Diabetes Care
Diagnosis, monitoring and long-term management of diabetes, with the annual checks that prevent complications.
Hypertension Management
Diagnosis and long-term control of high blood pressure, the condition that causes most strokes and heart attacks.
Fever & Infectious Diseases
Investigation and treatment of fever, including dengue, typhoid, malaria and infections that have not settled.
Respiratory Disorders
Assessment and treatment of cough, breathlessness, asthma and chest infections in adults.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Assessment and treatment of acidity, abdominal pain, altered bowel habit and other digestive symptoms.
Renal Disorders
Detection and management of kidney problems, which are usually found on a blood test rather than through symptoms.
Liver Disorders
Assessment of abnormal liver tests, fatty liver and hepatitis, most of which are reversible when caught early.
Thyroid & Metabolic Conditions
Diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, cholesterol problems and other metabolic conditions.
Preventive Medicine
Health checks, screening and risk assessment for people who feel well, aimed at finding what has no symptoms yet.