In America, a growing population of geriatric patients continues to require doctors who are prepared to treat their unique conditions. By 2030, the Census estimates that nearly 20% of the population in the country will be over the age of 65. Therefore, there is a clear growing need for primary care physicians to manage the concerns of this unique demographic. In this blog, we'll discuss the best ways for doctors to address the individual needs of elderly patients.
Prioritize comprehensive medical assessments
With geriatric patients, there are likely numerous insights that you will need to understand about your patient. The importance of medical history cannot be understated, as these insights will guide you to support your patients and their unique conditions best. More importantly, due to their special common conditions, it is also recommended that you embrace specialized geriatric assessments that could capture details that ordinary assessments would not.
Of these specialized assessments, the use of cognitive assessments is highly recommended. This can assist with the early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative conditions in geriatric patients. With proper preparation, you can support your geriatric patients and identify any elements you should focus on when caring for them.
Specialized patient-centered communication
While necessary for every patient demographic, clear, patient-centered communication is the key to supporting your geriatric patients and ensuring you cultivate the trust you need within the patient-physician relationship. When you speak to your elderly patients, ensure you are patient, empathetic, and actively listening. Above all else, you should ensure they are comfortable and don't feel rushed. Taking notes is also strongly encouraged to ensure you get what you need to address.
Embrace collaborations across the medical team
When you work with elderly patients as a primary care provider, you likely will not be able to handle all of your patient's concerns in your office. That's why it is essential to collaborate across the healthcare team, increasing communication and sharing of patient records. Integrating specialists can be crucial here, allowing you to collaborate to provide your patient with the best possible care. If you have any referrals that you have available, these can be useful for further establishing a holistic approach to your patient's care.
Focus on preventative medicine
When treating and meeting with your geriatric patients, it is essential to focus on preventative medicine. Preventative measures can enhance your patient's quality of life and further support any preexisting conditions they may experience. Of these preventive measures, focusing on vaccination, fall prevention, and nutrition strategies to support their aging body is highly recommended.
Additionally, if your patient has any current medications, it is essential to assess these continually as part of your preventative medical efforts. Finally, preventative medicine also entails discussing mobility and exercise promotion, which can add years to your patient's life as they become routine.
Support geriatric patients with the current best practices
There are several ways to support your geriatric patients—from specialized assessments to preventative medicine. With their unique needs, remaining prepared, compassionate, and open to collaboration across the healthcare field will ensure that you meet their needs and cultivate the trust required to improve their quality of life and support their well-being with personalized care.
