List of Geriatric Clinics

As India’s population ages rapidly, the demand for specialized healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of older adults is growing. Geriatric clinics are crucial in addressing this demand by providing comprehensive, coordinated care for senior citizens.

What is geriatrics?

Geriatrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disabilities in older adults. It comprises a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing physical and mental, emotional, and social well-being. Geriatricians, physicians who specialize in geriatrics, are trained to understand the complex interplay of various factors that can impact an older adult’s health, including chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and psychosocial issues.

What services are provided at geriatric clinics?

Geriatric clinics offer a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of senior citizens. These services typically include:

1. Comprehensive geriatric assessment: A thorough evaluation of an older adult’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, as well as their living situation and support system.

2. Disease management: Treatment and management of chronic conditions common in older adults, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and dementia.

3. Functional assessment: Evaluation of an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and identification of any necessary assistive devices or home modifications. IADLs include managing finances, medications, food preparation, housekeeping, and laundry. 

4. Medication management: Review and optimization of medication regimens to ensure safe and effective use, minimize side effects, and address potential drug interactions.

5. Residential care: Some geriatric clinics offer residential care services, such as old age homes or assisted living facilities, for older adults who require around-the-clock care or supervision.

6. Outpatient services: Geriatric clinics also provide outpatient services, including follow-up appointments, rehabilitation services (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy), and community-based programs to support independent living.

7. Caregiver support: Education, counselling, and resources for family caregivers to better understand and manage the challenges of caring for an older adult.

Do geriatric clinics give senior citizens more value than regular healthcare clinics?

Geriatric clinics offer several advantages over regular healthcare clinics for senior citizens:

1. Specialized expertise: Geriatricians and their multidisciplinary teams have specialized training and expertise in addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.

2. Coordinated care: Geriatric clinics provide a coordinated approach to care, bringing together various doctors (e.g., physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists) to collaborate and develop integrated care plans.

3. Functional focus: In addition to treating medical conditions, geriatric clinics strongly emphasize maintaining or improving an individual’s functional abilities and independence.

4. Caregiver support: Recognizing the crucial role of caregivers, geriatric clinics offer support and resources to help caregivers better understand and manage the challenges of caring for an older adult.

5. Continuity of care: Geriatric clinics often provide continuity of care, following patients across various care settings (e.g., outpatient, residential, home care) to ensure consistent and coordinated care.

6. Cultural sensitivity: Geriatric clinics can provide culturally sensitive care, considering the diverse beliefs, values, and preferences of older adults from different backgrounds.

How do I determine which kind of service is the best for me?

When deciding whether a geriatric clinic or a regular healthcare clinic is the best option, consider the following factors:

1. Age and health status: Individuals over 60 or those with multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations, or complex healthcare needs may benefit more from the specialized care provided by geriatric clinics.

2. Caregiver support needs: If an elderly requires significant assistance with daily activities or caregiving support, a geriatric clinic with comprehensive services and caregiver resources may be more appropriate.

3. Continuity of care: If an elderly anticipates ongoing care across multiple settings (e.g., outpatient, residential, home care), a geriatric clinic that can provide seamless transitions and coordinated care may be advantageous.

4. Personal preferences: Consider an elderly’s preferences, such as the desire for a more holistic approach to care, a focus on functional independence, or the availability of specialized services like geriatric assessment or caregiver support.

5. Cultural and language considerations: If an elderly has any specific cultural or language needs, a geriatric clinic that can provide culturally sensitive care and communicate effectively may be preferable.

It is important to consult with a doctor, such as a general physician, family doctor, or geriatric care manager, to discuss specific needs and determine the most appropriate care setting.

References:

1. Ingle GK, Nath A. Geriatric health in India: Concerns and solutions. Indian J Community Med. 2008;33(4):214-8.

2. Mundada PS, Sharma S, Gupta B, Padhi MM, Dey AB, Dhiman KS. Review of healthcare services for older population in India and possibility of incorporating AYUSH in public health system for geriatric care. Ayu. 2020 Jan-Mar;41(1):3-11.

3. Tripathy JP. Geriatric care in India: A long way to go. J Midlife Health. 2014 Oct;5(4):205-6.

4. Salagre S, Kundawar A, Srivastava P, Saha T, Mantri A, Jain S, Deshpande S, Dhanjitaa S, Machave A, Dandekar A. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) Screening of Geriatric Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: a Cross-sectional Study in India. J Assoc Physicians India. 2022 Jan;70(1):11- 12.

5. Ashe S, Routray D. Prevalence, associated risk factors of depression and mental health needs among geriatric population of an urban slum, Cuttack, Odisha. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Dec;34(12):1799-807.

6. Better health while aging. Available from: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/what-are-adls-and-iadls/. Accessed on 18 May 2024