What is geriatrics?
From the Greek word gérôn, meaning “elderly man”, geriatrics refers to the medical speciality dedicated to the study and treatment of diseases related to ageing, in particular neurological and cognitive disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia) and malnutrition, etc. Offering holistic patient health care, this specialty, which is growing rapidly given the aging population, aims to preserve or re-establish an elderly person’s independence.
How to see a geriatrician
In general, a GP will refer an elderly patient for consultation at a facility close to their home. During the consultation, the geriatrician will review the patient’s condition with both the patient themselves and their family. The aim is to preserve the patient’s independence providing, if possible, home care. A geriatrician also practices in retirement homes (French EHPADs), associations or at a patient’s home.
What support does the geriatric service offer ?
In order to preserve the autonomy of the elderly, the geriatrics service advises on living arrangements and strives to maintain the best possible physical and psychological health of patients through a personalised care plan (nutrition, medical monitoring, etc.). The service also ensures the coordination of the various professionals working with patients. Through a multidisciplinary approach, Elsan offers high-quality geriatric support in its clinics, adapted to individual needs.
How does geriatric care work?
As patients often suffer from multiple pathologies, geriatrics offers a multidisciplinary approach, which requires the intervention of different specialists and carers. In addition to living arrangements and correct nutrition, drugs are an important component of medical care for the elderly, particularly in the treatment of chronic diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, etc.) and cognitive disorders. In addition, carers must ensure that care is adapted to the patient’s general state of health and age.
Excellence in geriatrics at Elsan
By combining a global and multidisciplinary approach with innovative methods, Elsan offers an excellent range of geriatric care. On a case-by-case basis, care is personalised and optimised, to limit the loss of an elderly person’s independence.