As the years go by, it seems as if your health concerns pile up at an unprecedented rate. Common colds are more commonly difficult as you get older, and a spill down the steps far more serious. To ensure that your health care needs are covered, it’s important that you choose a medical facility that specializes in geriatric care.
At Forest Urgent Care, our experienced and compassionate team of medical providers offers comprehensive health care that caters to the unique needs and concerns of the older patient. We understand the challenges that come with aging, and we’re here to ease the journey, allowing you to enjoy the golden years with peace of mind knowing that you’ve got the right team in your corner.
Regardless of which health care facility you choose, here are five things you should look for in good geriatric care.
Just as there are medical specialists that cater to children, women, and men, finding the right doctors for geriatric needs is important. A geriatric specialist understands the aging process in the human body and its effects on how everything functions. From loss of bone mass to weakened immune systems, the aging body has a unique set of circumstances that dictates treatment.
More to the point, a geriatric specialist takes your whole health into consideration and ensures that one treatment doesn’t present challenges to other areas of your health.
As important as medical expertise is in geriatric care, equally as important is a specialist who is compassionate and listens to your concerns. The frustration and limitations that come with aging are as much a mental issue as physical.
Your geriatric specialist should understand that and treat you accordingly. This means sitting down with you to fully understand the effects a medical issue is having on your overall well-being and working with you until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction.
As an older patient, now is not the time to be run through an impersonal medical facility that treats your symptoms and sends you on your way.
When you choose a geriatric specialist, you’re also choosing a staff and facility that should make you feel comfortable and welcome. As an example, our facilities feature wheelchair ramps, easy entryways, and lifts for better access to our clinic and staff. And once you’re inside, our friendly staff ensures your comfort every step of the way.
When choosing a geriatric specialist, it’s important that they have a wide referral network that can handle all of your medical needs. Whether you need cardiac help or specialized care for your musculoskeletal structure, your geriatric specialist should be able to point you in the right direction to receive the care you need.
Beyond a strong referral network, your geriatric care specialist should act as your advocate. Rather than handing you a name and phone number and sending you on your way for specialized medical care, a geriatric care specialist works in concert with your doctors, overseeing your care and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks in terms of your overall health and wellness.
The bottom line is that you should choose a geriatric specialist with whom you feel comfortable and have the confidence knowing that your needs are being met.
If you have any further questions about geriatric care, we invite you to give us a call or visit either of our locations in Forest Hills or Long Island City, New York. If you have time to schedule an appointment in advance, you can do so here on our website.
