Geriatric Care: General Principles

Jeremy Golding, FAAFP, MD and Zahra Sardar Sheikh, MD MPH CMD Reviewed 06/2022

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

The optimal approach to caring for our elderly patient population requires an understanding of the physiology of normal aging as well as unique geriatric considerations for access to...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Optimizing communication

Speak directly to your patient unless directed toward their surrogate.
Assess and manage emotionally charged interactions. Refrain from taking negative energy ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Optimize nonpharmacologic options first.
Align with patients’ goals of care.
Feasibility for patient and caregivers: Assess cost, availability, travel burden, and adherence
Comp...

ONGOING CARE

Home nursing services and care at home with additional resources should be encouraged and promoted to prevent the above complications.

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Realistic expectations
Caref...

REFERENCES

Abraha I, Cruz-Jentoft A, Soiza RL, et al. Evidence of and recommendations for non-pharmacological interventions for common geriatric conditions: the SENATOR-ONT...

CODES

ICD10

Z71.89 Other specified counseling

SNOMED

33697008 Geriatric counseling
171313004 Geriatric screening
183691007 Geriatric self-referral
183522000 Referral to care of the elderly service
268564006...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Establish patient goals of care and align all clinical decisions within the context of these goals.
Use an interdisciplinary team approach to optimize holistic care for elders and their...

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