Specialists in geriatrics , or geriatricians , can help in the more complex healthcare provision that is necessary with patients of an older age . Issues such as multiple medical problems that are unique to elderly patients can be addressed by geriatricians , who spend an extra year being trained in the unique care that becomes necessary as patients age into their 70s and 80s . “And when a problem arises with a patient, we tend to ask ‘How do we put this in the context of other concerns that might be contributing?’ ” They have 12 key competencies : optimizing elderly mental function and well - being ; clarifying goals for care and planning accordingly ; significant medication management ; care coordination ; and palliative and end of life care . They take a broader history and consider patients ’ environment more closely when creating care plans . Geriatric syndromes , or the common falls , incontinence , frailty , cognitive impairment , fatigue and delirium that older people experience frequently , is another type of specialty . Geriatric consultations may be the best course of action for those looking for care for elderly relatives or for patients themselves , who may need more specific care .
Specialists in geriatrics , or geriatricians , can help in the more complex healthcare provision that is necessary with patients of an older age . Issues such as multiple medical problems that are unique to elderly patients can be addressed by geriatricians , who spend an extra year being trained in the unique care that becomes necessary as patients age into their 70s and 80s . They have 12 key competencies : optimizing elderly mental function and well - being ; clarifying goals for care and planning accordingly ; significant medication management ; care coordination ; and palliative and end of life care . They take a broader history and consider patients ’ environment more closely when creating care plans . Geriatric syndromes , or the common falls , incontinence , frailty , cognitive impairment , fatigue and delirium that older people experience frequently , is another type of specialty . Geriatric consultations may be the best course of action for those looking for care for elderly relatives or for patients themselves , who may need more specific care .