At Providence, our geriatric medicine doctors specialize in the unique health needs of the elderly, including chronic diseases, nutritional problems, skin ailments, cognitive loss, memory impairment, adverse affects of medications, immobility, and balances issues. Aging can cause bone and nerve health concerns due to low levels of vitamin D, thyroid and hormone imbalances and other deficiencies. Our geriatric care team monitor these levels with blood tests and physical evaluations. When you reach 65, you're entitled to a yearly Medicare wellness exam that includes a mental health checkup to check short-term memory and other brain functions.
Our Providence senior health care teams listen to understand your health understands the health concerns, so you get the care that is right for you. At the Center for Geriatric Medicine, older adults have access to a full range of services, from our senior wellness center to primary care. Our programs as personalized for your needs and focus on your health goals, including independence and quality of life.
The Providence Center for Geriatric Medicine has highly experienced doctors and care teams, trained to work with older adults who need extra care. We emphasize good, clear communication between you and your Providence care team and include caregivers and family members. Our doctors specialize in health conditions that affect older adults, including:
- Arthritis
- Cancer care
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Wound care concerns
What is expected at your first appointment
Every patient receives a thorough medical and social history, completes physical and functional assessments, and a depression scale and mini-mental examination. Our board-certified geriatricians use this information to adjust and update the patient's medical history and medication list, Your care plan will be customized for your needs.
With the patient's consent, family members are also encouraged to participate fully in the care of their loved one through open discussions with our doctors and care teams.
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle
Our team approach focuses on aging well and maximizing independence. We provide a full range of internal medicine services to patients 60 years of age or older in our outpatient Geriatric Clinic, including:
- Medical management of chronic and acute conditions
- Acute inpatient consultation and care at Providence and Carroll Manor
- Preventive health care and maintenance
- Pain management
- Memory disease evaluation and treatment
- Assessment and treatment of depression
- Primary care
- Outpatient geriatric assessments
- A full range of support and coordinated care services
