Our goal is to help provide excellent comprehensive patient care and education for patients, families, professionals and caregivers.
Who should seek Geriatric Care?
There is no specific age, but most patients around 75 years of age or older. Patients that benefit the most from geriatric care have:
- Chronic illness
- Impaired physical function
- Impaired memory or cognitive function
- Depression or anxiety
- Weight loss
- Problems with balance or falling
- Multiple medications
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I see a geriatrician?
Just like a pediatrician takes care of kids, a geriatrician takes care of older adults. As people get older, their bodies change. They may need different medicines or have health problems that make it harder to do things on their own. Geriatricians are doctors who know a lot about these changes. They help older people stay as healthy and independent as possible by giving them the right care, support, and information.
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How old should I be to see a geriatrician?
There is no exact age to see a geriatrician, but most patients are around 75 years old or older. People who can really benefit from this kind of care often have:
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More than one health problem
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Trouble walking or have had falls
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Need help with daily activities, like getting dressed or cooking
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Memory problems or dementia
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Feel sad, worried, or anxious
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Have lost weight without trying
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And most of all, they want their care to match what matters most to them
A geriatrician helps these patients live their best and healthiest lives.
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What is age friendly care?
Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), designed to meet this challenge head on.
Age-Friendly Health Systems aim to:
- Follow an essential set of evidence-based practices;
- Cause no harm; and
- Align with What Matters to the older adult and their family caregivers.
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How should I prepare for a clinic appointment?
You should plan to arrive early for your first appointment in order to acquaint yourself with the parking and building. You may also have to complete some paperwork. You should bring all your medicine containers and your medical records, if you have any. Please bring a written record of your health history (past illnesses, surgeries, procedures, allergies, etc.) and current insurance information. You should plan to spend at least 2 hours at your initial appointment.
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What will happen if they find out I have memory problems?
Your physician or nurse practitioner will do a cognitive screening during the assessment and may refer you to a specialist.
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What is an ACE unit and how is it different from other hospital units?
ACE means Acute Care for Elders. An ACE unit is a unit of a hospital that is specially designed for the comfort and safety of older adults. A hospitalization can be a little easier for an older adult if the hospital has considered the physical, visual, cognitive, and memory impairments that many older adults experience. For example, on the ACE unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, floors in the rooms are laminated hardwood to reduce the glare of tile, windows have glare-resistant shades, bathrooms have well-positioned grab bars, the shower accommodates a shower chair, and the toilet seat is black (providing a contrast to the white toilet). All these are safety features that reduce the risk of falls.