You do not need to be a specialist to provide proper care to older patients. Frail older patients who exhibit cognitive, functional and medical problems are usually cared for by a geriatrician. Patients who have familiar complaints such as joint pain or congestion, should always first visit the physician most familiar with their care, Dr. Guerrero says. Those who have had heart problems should return to the cardiologist who was initially trained in internal medicine. Patients recovering from a stroke however, should seek the care of a neurologist and later return to an internist or family practice physician.
Geriatricians have expertise in caring for multiple issues that are prevalent among older adults.
Trained extensively in the multidisciplinary approach to health care, they understand the importance of input from other professionals such as therapists, nurses and social workers. It is not until older patients become frail, exhibit cognitive, functional and medical problems that they should be cared for by a geriatrician. Dr. Guerrero advises most of the functional, older adults to continue visiting their primary care physician until told to seek the expertise of a specialist. They are also given an environmental screening to determine their daily living routines and safety. The tests help the physician determine the patient's level of independence.