Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric Medicine services in Dubai at Emirate Hospitals Group. Due to the dynamics of the ageing process, older adults require specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Geriatric medicine services crucial role in promoting healthy aging, managing complex medical conditions, and optimizing well-being for senior patients.

Common Geriatric Medicine Problems:

Geriatric medicine specialists encounter a broad spectrum of patient problems, often involving the complex interplay of multiple factors. These include:

• Multimorbidity: Having two or more chronic conditions simultaneously, requiring a holistic approach to management.
• Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications, increasing the risk of interactions and medication errors.
• Cognitive Decline: Addressing concerns about memory, thinking, and potential dementia.
• Functional Decline: Loss of independence in daily activities like bathing, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene.
• Falls and Frailty: Assessing fall risks and implementing interventions to prevent falls and manage frailty.
• Mental Health Concerns: Depression, anxiety, and social isolation are prevalent in older adults.

Outpatient Geriatric Outpatient Services:

Our outpatient clinics provide preventive care, management of chronic conditions, and a focus on maintaining the independence and quality of life of older adults. Key services include:

• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): This holistic assessment evaluates a senior’s physical, mental, functional, and social well-being. It identifies potential problems, assesses the risk of falls and frailty, and helps develop a personalized care plan.
• Chronic Disease Management: Geriatric specialists collaborate with patients to manage chronic conditions common in older adults, like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline.
• Mental Health Management: As seniors face changes in physical and cognitive abilities, they are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and dementia. Geriatric specialists work with patients to address these concerns and provide appropriate therapy or medication management.
• Medication Management: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is common in older adults. Geriatric pharmacists review medications, identify potential interactions, and ensure the optimal dosage for each patient.

Inpatient Geriatric Medicine Services:

When hospitalization becomes necessary, geriatric medicine specialists work within the hospital to ensure older adults receive care tailored to their unique needs. Some key areas of focus include:

• Management of Acute Illness: Geriatricians collaborate with other specialists to treat acute illnesses while considering the patient’s underlying chronic conditions and frailty.
• Post-surgical Care: Older adults may experience slower recovery after surgery. Geriatric specialists work with the surgical team to optimize post-surgical care, focusing on preventing complications and promoting a smooth transition back to home or a rehabilitation facility.
• Rehabilitation: When feasible, geriatric rehabilitation programs focus on regaining strength, mobility, and functional abilities, promoting independence upon discharge.