Senior Health

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• QWhy is there a specialized branch of medicine for older adults?

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  A Mercy Health answered

  There is a specialized branch of medicine, known as geriatrics, for older adults because older adults tend to have multiple health issues, usually three or more, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for these individuals can be complicated. For example, choosing medications can be more difficult because a medication used to treat one problem can worsen another, or can interact with other medications and cause side effects. Specializing in geriatrics helps a health care professional become more educated and sensitive to the unique needs involved in caring for older adults.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWhat does comprehensive geriatric care comprise?

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  A Mercy Health answered

  Comprehensive geriatric care is comprised of specialized care of older adults across multiple settings and locations including outpatient offices, hospitals, skilled nursing or assisted living facilities and the home. Comprehensive geriatric care usually consists of a team-based approach. This team focuses on evaluating medical, social and emotional needs, with special emphasis on common problems in older adults, such as memory problems, falls, incontinence and multiple medications. The ultimate goal of this care team is to help older adults age gracefully. The care team can include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • geriatrician
  • nurse
  • nurse practitioner
  • physician assistant
  • social worker
  • pharmacist
  • nutritionist
  • physical therapist
  • occupational therapist
  • speech therapist

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWho can provide geriatric care?

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  A Mercy Health answered

  Most internists and family doctors provide geriatric care because they take care of the majority of older adults. Geriatricians are internists or family physicians that are board-certified and have received additional training (fellowship) and certification in geriatrics. Other health care professionals can also have specialized training in geriatrics. These include:

  • psychiatrists
  • nurse practitioners
  • physician assistants
  • nurses
  • physical therapists
  • occupational therapists
  • pharmacists

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QHow can I convince my elderly parent to stop driving?

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  A Dr. Aruna V. Josyula, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  Focusing on the health and safety aspects related to driving could help avoid making this conversation with an aging loved one feel like a personal attack. Be supportive by recognizing that this is a difficult decision, and be prepared that multiple conversations may be necessary. Gather information and be ready to offer alternative methods of transportation so that a plan can be put in place that will allow for your loved one to engage in the activities he or she wants to.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWhen should a senior citizen stop driving?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Many senior citizens are aware of their driving limitations and know when they should stop driving. Older drivers are generally safe drivers, at least to a point, but it can be hard to give up the keys—or to talk parents or other loved one into giving up theirs.

  That's especially true if it means giving up independence along with the car. So, how do older people know if it's time to give up the keys or to tell an older friend or loved one to surrender theirs?

  Here are some signs that a person may be having driving difficulties:

  • drifting out of the lane
  • getting lost in familiar places
  • difficulty moving the foot between the gas and the brake pedals or confusing the two
  • not merging or changing lanes safely
  • new dents or dings in the car
  • observations by neighbors or friends about unsafe driving
  • two or more traffic tickets, warnings, collisions or "near misses" within the last two years
  • accidents (including fender benders)
  • increases in car insurance premiums because of collisions
  • vision problems
  • anxiety about driving at night
  • complaints about the speed of other drivers or about sudden lane changes or actions of other drivers
  • noticeable change in reaction times, reflexes or other driving abilities

  People who are not sure if it's time to stop driving, or time for a loved one to stop driving, should talk to a health care provider.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat can I do to be supportive when my aging loved one stops driving?

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  A Dr. Aruna V. Josyula, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  You can help your aging loved one give up driving in a number of ways. You can arrange to have medications (and in some places, groceries) delivered to the home. Work with your loved one to create a plan for social outings for which transportation can be arranged through family, friends or church. Reassure your loved one that he or she did the right thing, for both personal safety and that of the public, by giving up driving.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWhy is it so difficult to give up driving as we age?

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  A Dr. Aruna V. Josyula, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  In our society, older adults lead very active lives beyond retirement, and driving is the primary means of transportation for them to engage in those activities. Driving is the way many older adults access healthcare, engage in social interactions and ensure adequate nutrition (via grocery shopping or dining in restaurants). If not supported appropriately, an inability to drive can lead to social isolation, increased depression and a loss of independence that can be devastating.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWhat can doctors do to reduce the risk of older people falling?

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  A Dr. Oluwatoyin W. Thomas, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  Doctors can help reduce the risk of older people falling by talking to them about falls assessment, including the following: 

  • how they get up out of a chair
  • how they walk
  • the importance of using their cane or walker, if they have one
  • if their cane or walker has been properly adjusted by a physical therapist

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QIs it possible for medication to cause falls in older people?

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  A Dr. Oluwatoyin W. Thomas, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  It is possible for medication to cause falls in older people. Medications are one of the first things to be reviewed after an older person falls. The effects of medications on older adults can be very different than on younger adults. Older adults can be more prone to dizziness. Doctors and pharmacists work together to see if falls may be due to a drug interaction.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• QWhat can I do if my aging loved one doesn't have a care advocate?

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  A Dr. Aruna V. Josyula, MD , Geriatric Medicine, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  Even if you haven't determined a care advocate, at least have the conversation about what your loved one would want if he couldn’t decide for himself. Once a care advocate has been identified, make sure the designated person understands the role and wants to help. Make sure he or she is comfortable speaking up for your loved one’s wishes.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.