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 .
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 patients function and well-being; clarifying goals for care and planning accordingly; significant medication management; care coordination; and palliative and end of life care. Geriatricians 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 area 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.