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Why Having a Geriatric Medicine Expert on Your Team Is Important as You Age

Why Having a Geriatric Medicine Expert on Your Team Is Important as You Age
As our bodies age, so do our healthcare needs. Geriatric care provides specialized support to help manage chronic conditions, optimize medication management, and promote independence. Learn how a geriatric expert can enhance your quality of life.

As we age, our healthcare needs can become increasingly complex. At Hibari Family Medical in Edgewater, New Jersey, our dedicated team provides comprehensive primary care, including specialized geriatric care, to support you and your family through every stage of life. 

Understanding the role of a geriatric specialist is the first step toward proactive, personalized health management in your senior years.

What is geriatric care?

Geriatric medicine is a specialty focused on the unique health requirements of older adults. Geriatric-focused providers are trained to manage the complexities that often come with aging, from chronic diseases to cognitive changes. Their approach is centered on what’s known as the "5Ms of Geriatrics":

  • Multicomplexity: managing multiple health conditions simultaneously
  • Mind: focusing on cognitive health, including dementia and delirium
  • Mobility: preserving strength, balance, and preventing falls
  • Medications: optimizing prescriptions to avoid side effects and interactions
  • Matters most: aligning care with your personal health goals and preferences

This framework enables our team to deliver comprehensive care that addresses the entire person, rather than focusing solely on a single condition.

Who can benefit from a geriatric specialist?

There is no set age to start seeing a geriatric specialist. However, it’s generally recommended for patients over 75 or for those whose health has become particularly complex. You may benefit from geriatric care if you are:

  • managing multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis
  • taking several medications and experiencing side effects
  • noticing a decline in your ability to perform daily activities
  • experiencing memory issues, falls, or problems with balance

A geriatric expert acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating with other specialists to ensure your treatment plan is cohesive and effective.

The benefits of a geriatric-focused approach

Having a geriatric specialist in your healthcare offers many benefits. Seniors who receive care from a geriatrician often experience better functional outcomes and are more likely to remain in their own homes after a hospital stay. Key benefits include:

Chronic disease management

Your provider can fine-tune treatments to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications.

Expert medication management

A specialist can identify and discontinue unnecessary medications, reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.

Support for independence

We offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention to help you maintain your independence and quality of life.

By focusing on prevention and personalized planning, we help you navigate the aging process with confidence and ease.

To learn more about our geriatric care services, schedule an appointment, call the office, or use our online booking tool today.