Ah, the Golden Years. Mention this buzz phase in the presence of any senior and he or she will likely snicker or offer a knowing smile since the “golden years” aren’t necessarily all that they’re cracked up to be.
That’s not to say seniors can’t enjoy this time in their lives, but if you know someone over the age of 70 (or if you happen to be over this hump yourself), then you’ve probably mused more than once how the so-called “golden” years often arrive with a layer of rust.
This is why geriatric medicine is so important: how seniors take care of themselves during this time makes all the difference in the world.
So what, exactly, is geriatric medicine and what do geriatric doctors do? Geriatrics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases in the elderly. The definition of “elderly” can vary widely, and there’s no rule when a person should advance from adult medicine to geriatrics.
The reason there’s a distinction between the two types of medicine is simple (and those of us in this advanced age bracket know the reason all too well). An elderly person’s body is different from a younger person’s—organs deteriorate and fail, our memories can dim, we “lose inches” in our height, and so on and so forth.
Geriatric doctors have special training in these areas. In addition to this training, our geriatric doctors at Total Access Medical have developed a bedside manner that people in the twilight of their lives crave, one that is full of compassion, understanding, and a willingness to listen (while occasionally holding hands).
I now enjoy and benefit from dedicated, old-fashioned medical attention, including same day appointments, immediate exams, a direct phone number to my concierge physician after hours and even monthly conference calls between my physician and diabetes specialist. I am embarrassed to say that I get all of this and more for less than I spend on my hair each month. And I don’t go to a fancy salon either.
— Mary J
Thanks to our direct primary care model, our geriatric doctors provide same-day appointments, unrestricted exam times, and the ability for each patient to see the same doctor for every single office visit.
Are you interested in working with one of our geriatric doctors? Explore our doctors’ bios below and set up a set up a complimentary appointment. The first meet-and-greet with a doctor gives you the opportunity to determine if he or she is the right fit for you and your family.