Geriatric Primary Care

Geriatric primary care is primary care for older adults. Usually, the focus age range is 65 years and older. This care is provided by a geriatrician, also known as a geriatric primary care physician. They have special training in helping older adults. At Baptist Health, the goal of this care is your health, independence and wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit from Geriatric Primary Care?

Adults 65 and older can get this care. However, not everyone in this age range needs this level of extra care. Those with complex health issues can especially benefit.

You may benefit if:

• You have several ongoing health conditions.
• You take multiple medications.
• You have problems with your memory.
• You have trouble with your balance.
• Your caregivers are stretched thin.
• You are struggling to juggle appointments

Ongoing conditions might be heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis. A healthy adult might not need this level of care.

What Geriatric Primary Care Includes

This care can include prevention, treatment and advance planning.

Potential care options:

• Preventive care. This means care that helps prevent health issues. For example, wellness visits and screenings. It can also include vaccines.
• Chronic condition management. Your physician can help you manage your health conditions such as heart disease.
• Medication review. Your physician may review the medicines you take. They can help prevent harmful interactions. They might also take you off medicines that you no longer need.
• Memory and mood check. This means a general mental health check. It can also mean screening for depression or dementia.
• Balance, mobility and fall prevention. Your physician might offer screenings, tips and other ways to help you stay independent. This can also help prevent injuries from falls.
• Care coordination. Your physician can help you organize your visits and care schedule.
• Advance care planning. This means helping you think through future health choices.

How Geriatric Care Is Different

The main difference with geriatric care is what is called a “whole person” focus. Your physician will look at your health in terms of function, independence and quality of life. Each visit may be longer than a usual primary care visit. Each visit is also more team based. You might meet with several members of the care team instead of only one physician. Your family and caregivers can often take part in the visits.

Many geriatric primary care physicians use the 5 M’s model:

1. Mind
2. Mobility
3. Medications
4. Multi complexity
5. Matters most

The “matters most” part of the model means what matters most to you.

What to Expect at a Visit

During a visit, your primary care team will check your overall health from top to bottom. They will ask about your medications, function, movement, memory and mood. Your family and caregivers are often a part of the visit. Based on what they find, your care team will plan around what matters most to you. That could be improved independence, better memory or something else entirely.

Your Geriatric Care Team

Your care team is usually led by your geriatric primary care physician. They may be supported by an advanced practice provider and allied health professionals.

Your care team may include:

• Dietitians. They help plan what you eat and drink to stay healthy.
• Pharmacists. They help check if your medicines are safe. They also see if your medicines work well together.
• Nurses. They check your health and answer your health questions.
• Social workers. They help connect you and your family to support services. They help you find the resources you need. Social workers also help you plan how and when you use the resources.
• Behavioral health specialists. They can help with mood or mental health issues. For example, they can help treat depression or grief.
• Audiologists. They focus on hearing loss.
• Podiatrists. They help with foot care. Often this relates to balance issues and diabetes.
• Physical therapists. They help you with strength and fall prevention.
• Occupational therapists. They help make everyday tasks easier and safer. For example, bathing or dressing yourself.
• Speech therapists. They help you with speech, memory and swallowing problems.
• Respiratory therapists. They often help with breathing issues.
• Home health professionals. They provide care for you at home. Usually, they get involved after an illness or injury.
• Care coordinators. They can help you organize appointments and next steps in your care plan.

Everyone on the team works from one clear plan. This team approach supports your whole health.

When to Consider Geriatric Primary Care

There are certain times when you might consider reaching out to a geriatric primary care team.

Consider it if:

• You just had surgery.
• You had a stay in the hospital.
• You have been given a new diagnosis.
• Your list of medicines keeps growing.
• You recently fell down one or more times.
• Your caregivers cannot keep up with your care.
• You are having trouble managing all your appointments.