July - September 2019

Geriatrician Offers Vital Link to Successful Aging I recently heard a concern from a woman who wanted her husband to use her family physician, so they would both have the same doctor. However, when her husband called to make an appointment, he was informed the doctor wasn’t accepting any new Medicare patients. Erie County’s older population is estimated to reach 35% within the next 10 years. You may face the same difficulty in finding a physician. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine, “We Need More Geriatricians, Not More Primary Care Physicians,” offers a viable solution. Geriatricians work to help older adults maintain their function. Many things change with the process of aging, from the body’s metabolism, to certain medical problems that are common in older adults. Geriatricians work towards enabling and empowering individuals to continue to lead a life that maximizes independent function. Geriatricians specialize in treating older patients with multiple medical problems. They are trained in how these ailments affect the physical and emotional health of patients who are 65 or older. Geriatricians are experts in common health problems associated with aging, such as falls, incontinence, memory problems, depression, and side effects from taking many medications. A geriatric consultation usually begins with a detailed questionnaire of your medical history, review of current medications, pain analysis, cognitive testing, and discussion abut what is important to you in treating your conditions. After the consultation, the geriatrician communicates findings and suggestions to the patient’s primary doctor. Geriatricians often work as part of a health care team that consists of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, psychiatrists or pharmacists. This team approach is very important to make sure care is focused on the whole person and his/her successful aging. Join us for an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, paddle boat rides and live music. Easy Livin’ on Boardwalk Wednesday, July 17, 2019 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Enjoy Premier Coastal Retirement Living PARKVUE 3800 Boardwalk Blvd. • Off Hull Rd. Sandusky, OH 44870 • For more information, please call 419.359.8315 Like us on www.servingourseniors.org 9