As individuals age, their healthcare needs change. Geriatric care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on meeting the unique healthcare needs of elderly individuals. Geriatric assessments are employed to evaluate older adults' physical, mental, and emotional health. These assessments assist healthcare professionals in developing personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each elderly patient.
Geriatric care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the healthcare needs of elderly individuals. Geriatric assessments evaluate older adults' physical, mental, and emotional health. These assessments may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, mental health screening, and functional status assessment. The functional status assessment evaluates the ability of the elderly person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and managing finances.
Aside from these assessments, various resources can be employed in geriatric care. One of the most important resources is an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. The team works together to develop personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each elderly patient. Another essential resource is the family and caregivers of the elderly person. Emotional support and counseling are provided to the elderly and their family to enhance their well-being. In addition, assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and hearing aids may improve the elderly person's independence and quality of life. Overall, geriatric care aims to enhance the quality of life of elderly individuals by addressing their physical, mental, and emotional health needs through a personalized and interdisciplinary approach.