Overview
Geriatricians manage complex care needs of older adults including frailty cognition polypharmacy and fall prevention. The specialty emphasizes functional assessment, goals of care and coordination across settings. Interdisciplinary approaches optimize independence and quality of life.
Clinical Practice
Care includes medication review management of cognitive impairment fall risk assessment and coordination of community supports and long term care planning. Geriatricians lead interdisciplinary teams to address complex needs and caregiver support. Preventive strategies and advance care planning are central to practice.
Procedures and Tools
Tools include comprehensive geriatric assessment instruments, cognitive testing and functional measures and coordination with rehabilitation and social services. Medication optimization and deprescribing protocols reduce adverse events. Home assessments and care transitions improve outcomes.
Training and Roles
Geriatricians complete internal medicine or family medicine training followed by geriatric fellowship and often lead programs in long term care and outpatient geriatrics. They provide consultation for complex cases and support transitions of care. Education of trainees and caregivers improves outcomes for older adults.