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About Geriatrics
Your health needs change as you get older and require more specialized medical care. Geriatrics is an area of medicine that manages the health needs of older adults. Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania provides care for the whole family, including older adults. To learn more about geriatrics, call one of the 12 locations throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, including their offices in Nuremberg, Sullivan Trail Falls, Freeland, Hazelton, Monroe Township, Wilkes-Barre, Shickshinny, and Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, or schedule an appointment online today.
"Every staff member in this clinic, from the receptionist to the doctor, are always so genuinely friendly, caring, and helpful..."
"They truly care about their patients and what they do."
"Everyone working there is always pleasant and courteous and make you feel at ease."
Geriatrics Q & A
What is geriatrics?
Geriatrics is an area of medicine that specializes in managing the changing health needs of older adults.
Many older adults have more than one chronic health condition and may take several prescription medications or supplements to manage them. They may also struggle with issues that affect their ability to take care of themselves.
The geriatric practitioners at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania understand these health challenges and provide the appropriate care, focusing on:
Mind
Older adults may struggle with conditions that affect their minds, such as dementia or depression. With geriatric care, the Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania providers assess thinking, memory, and mood to look for signs of these age-related conditions.
Mobility
Older adults may have health problems that affect their mobility and independence. They may also have changes in gait and balance that increase their risk of falls.
Geriatric physicians regularly assess these physical functions and risks and make recommendations to maintain or improve independence and prevent injuries.
Medications
Geriatric practitioners also specialize in monitoring and managing medication in older adults, prescribing drugs that support health needs, and eliminating those that don’t.
What matters most
Most importantly, geriatric practitioners focus on what matters most to their patients, providing care that improves their overall quality of life.
When do I need geriatrics?
Though geriatrics provides care for adults age 65 and older, you or someone you love may not need the specialized health care until about age 75. This is usually the age when older adults begin to struggle with age-related health conditions such as dementia or frailty.
You may benefit from geriatrics at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania if you need multiple treatments or therapies for a health condition, or you’re caring for an older adult and having difficulty managing their complex health needs.
What conditions does geriatrics treat?
Geriatrics treats many age-related health conditions and illnesses. These conditions include:
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease
- Injuries from falls
- Dementia
- Depression
- Foot problems
- Weakness
- Vision problems
- Incontinence
The geriatric professionals at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania take a patient-centered approach. They schedule adequate amounts of time when you come in for care so they can fully understand your health needs and develop an effective plan.
Find out more about geriatrics at Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania by calling the office nearest you or scheduling an appointment online today.