One of the most important aspects of family medicine is how it provides comprehensive care for every life stage, from the youngest to the oldest in the household. Ensuring that your older loved ones are receiving proper medical attention is a priority, as they develop chronic conditions and functional limitations, making family doctors a crucial part of their wellbeing. If you’re seeking a primary doctor for you and your older loved ones, keep reading to learn about the most essential services that the professionals from Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics offer to you.
Family Medicine for Older Adults
Family medicine doctors understand that each patient is different, and geriatric patients are no exception. What makes them a great addition for your family’s wellbeing is that they learn about your medical history, what health conditions are affecting each member of the household, and create treatment plans along with other specialists to provide a tailored approach.
When it comes to geriatric care, family medicine providers treat coexisting conditions and understand the holistic needs of aging patients, as they are trained to serve families throughout every stage of their life.
A family medicine doctor’s approach goes beyond treating acute symptoms and yearly checkups, treating older patients also focuses on these aspects:
- Preventive care: Family medicine doctors are the first point of contact for patients who are experiencing symptoms, prioritizing acute treatment and prevention before the condition worsens.
- Supporting mobility: For geriatric patients, keeping up with their physical strength and cognitive health helps them stay independent. Family doctors prevent physically disabling conditions.
- Continuity of care: A family medicine professional’s role in an older patient’s life is based on treating conditions that come with aging, such as hypertension or arthritis.
The Family Medicine Landscape in Brentwood, TN
Family medicine doctors have become a priority for households in Brentwood, TN, who are seeking a health professional that assesses their medical history and attends every member, from the youngest to the oldest. For older patients, these physicians are their first point of contact to manage their conditions, as 16% of the older population in Brentwood have three or more chronic illnesses requiring the attention of a primary doctor.
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4 Essential Family Medicine Services for Older Adults
Through family medicine services, older patients manage their health issues, their ongoing medical treatments, and improve overall quality of life. Four of the most important services include:
1. Chronic Condition Management
Illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and heart disease develop during adulthood and require ongoing monitoring by primary and specialist doctors, especially when the patient is 60 or older. Family medicine doctors provide coordinated care plans based on the patient’s needs, regular lab testing, checkup visits, and lifestyle counseling to ensure their wellbeing.
2. Hormonal Health Support
Aging comes with health issues related to endocrine function, which manifests as tiredness, weight fluctuations, and gastrointestinal problems. Family medicine doctors check thyroid function, metabolism, and other indicators through screenings to identify any underlying issue that is affecting the older patient’s health.
3. Cognitive Wellness
Besides physical health, mental sharpness is another important topic when it comes to geriatric health. If there’s mood swings, lack of sleep, and issues related to memory or attention span in your older family member, your family medicine doctor can check for depression and anxiety, as well as suggesting a cognitive check.
4. Coordination with Specialists
An older patient with more than one chronic condition probably sees several specialists throughout the year, from cardiologists to endocrinologists. Family doctors act as the central hub of coordination, as they review the prescriptions from the other providers and maintain an organized medical record across generations.
FAQ
What screenings are recommended for older patients?
Blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, lab tests for cholesterol and blood sugar, and vision/hearing tests are recommended for adults over the age of 60.
What procedures are performed by a family doctor?
Family medicine doctors are trained to perform in-office procedures like skin biopsies, joint injections, mole removals, and pelvic exams.
When should I visit a specialist instead of a family doctor?
Family doctors will refer you to a specialist in case of requiring a surgical intervention, having a rare or advanced disease, or if you need a diagnostic test that requires advanced interpretation.
Find a Family Medicine Doctor in Brentwood, TN
Family medicine professionals are not only here to assess you and your child’s symptoms, but also to treat your older loved ones’ health conditions. Through preventive treatments, chronic illness management, and coordination with specialists, the family medicine doctors from Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, PLLC, cares for family members, from the youngest to the oldest. Book an appointment today by clicking on the button below.
