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Geriatricians are trained to look beyond individual illnesses that older adults may face, and instead to look at the bigger picture of aging.
With longer lives often comes more complicated health needs: multiple chronic conditions, long lists of medications, balance problems that can increase the risk of falls, and changes in memory. Many older adults also begin relying more on spouses, children or other family members to help manage medical decisions.
Doctors and nurse practitioners trained in geriatrics specialize in doing exactly that. The right care for older people can prevent falls, reduce risk of medication side effects and help patients make medical decisions that reflect their goals and wishes. Finding a health care provider with expertise in geriatrics can be extraordinarily difficult. But there’s good news: You can use a few simple strategies that geriatricians rely on to have more productive conversations with your or your family member’s doctor.
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