Geriatric (Senior Citizen) Clinic

Geriatric (Senior Citizen) Clinic

Overview

At Heritage IMS Hospital,Geriatric Clinic is dedicated to providing specialized care for older adults, focusing on their unique health needs and challenges. Aging brings physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that require personalized attention. At our clinic, we offer a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to help seniors maintain independence, manage chronic diseases, prevent complications, and enhance their quality of life. Whether it’s managing multiple medications or coordinating care for chronic illnesses, our team is here to support healthy aging.

What Is Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care is a branch of medicine focused on the health and well-being of the elderly, typically individuals aged 60 years and above. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions common in older adults, with a focus on improving function, mobility, mental health, and social support.

Geriatric care often involves:

• Managing multiple chronic conditions
  
• Preventing falls and injuries
  
• Supporting cognitive function
  
• Addressing nutrition and mobility
  
• Ensuring medication safety
  

Causes of Health Decline in the Elderly

Aging itself is not a disease, but it increases the risk of several medical conditions. Key contributing factors include:

Physical Factors:

• Natural wear and tear of organs and tissues
  
• Decreased bone density and muscle mass
  
• Slower metabolism and immune function
  
• Sensory impairments (vision, hearing)
  

Lifestyle Factors:

• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Poor nutrition
  
• Smoking or alcohol use
  
• Social isolation
  

Medical & Cognitive Causes:

• Chronic diseases (diabetes, arthritis, hypertension)
  
• Polypharmacy (use of multiple medications)
  
• Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  
• Depression and anxiety
  

Common Conditions Treated

Our Geriatric Clinic manages a broad range of age-related health issues, including:

• Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
  
• Type 2 Diabetes
  
• Osteoporosis and arthritis
  
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  
• Depression and anxiety disorders
  
• Parkinson’s disease
  
• Chronic kidney disease
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
• Frailty syndrome
  
• Vision and hearing loss
  
• Sleep disorders
  
• Malnutrition and dehydration
  
• Medication-related complications (polypharmacy)
  

Symptoms in Geriatric Patients

Symptoms in older adults can often be subtle, overlapping, or mistaken for normal aging. Common signs include:

• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
  
• Frequent falls or instability
  
• Memory loss or confusion
  
• Mood changes or irritability
  
• Poor appetite or dehydration
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Urinary or bowel problems
  
• Difficulty managing daily activities
  
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
  
• Vision or hearing difficulties
  

Treatment & Services Offered

We provide a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to evaluate medical, psychological, functional, and social health. Treatment plans are personalized and family-centered.

1. Medical Management

• Chronic disease control (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
  
• Medication review and optimization
  
• Pain and symptom management
  
• Specialist referrals when needed (neurology, cardiology, etc.)
  

2. Functional & Mobility Support

• Physiotherapy for fall prevention
  
• Assistive devices (walkers, hearing aids)
  
• Home safety assessments
  
• Rehabilitation post-hospitalization
  

3. Cognitive & Mental Health Care

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s screening
  
• Depression and anxiety management
  
• Memory clinics and therapy support
  

4. Nutritional & Social Care

• Diet planning for seniors
  
• Management of malnutrition
  
• Family and caregiver support
  
• Advance care planning and palliative care when needed
  

5. Preventive Services

• Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia, shingles)
  
• Cancer screening as appropriate
  
• Vision, dental, and hearing check-ups