In short
A geriatrician is a physician specially trained to evaluate and manage the health needs and treatment preferences of older adults, the American Geriatrics Society says. They focus on keeping people well, independent and comfortable, and often work with nurses, pharmacists, therapists and social workers. They're most helpful for complex health, memory or medicine problems.
When a geriatrician helps
- Several chronic conditions and many medicines
- Memory or mood changes
- Falls or frailty
- Hard decisions about care goals
Finding one
HealthInAging.org, from the American Geriatrics Society, has a tool to find geriatrics health care professionals. Ask the primary doctor for a referral too.
Questions families ask
What does a geriatrician do?
Evaluates and manages the health of older adults, with attention to function, independence and the person's priorities.
At what age should you see a geriatrician?
There's no set age; complex needs matter more than age.
Is a geriatrician a specialist?
Geriatricians usually train in internal or family medicine, then geriatrics.
Can a geriatrician be a primary care doctor?
Many are.