What Is Geriatric Medicine
Comprehensive care for seniors at Shire Doctors & Dentists
Geriatric Medicine is a specialised field of healthcare focused on supporting the medical, functional, and emotional needs of seniors. As people age, their health concerns become more complex, and many experience multiple medical conditions at the same time. Geriatricians provide expert assessment and personalised care to help seniors maintain independence, quality of life, and overall wellbeing.
At Shire Doctors & Dentists, our team is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of ageing patients
Why Is Geriatric Medicine Important?
- Ageing brings significant changes to physical health, cognitive function, mobility, and daily living abilities. Seniors often experience:
- Multiple chronic health conditions
- Increased sensitivity to medications
- Higher risk of falls
- Memory and thinking changes
- Reduced mobility
- Social and emotional challenges
- Geriatric medicine takes a holistic approach, looking beyond single illnesses to understand the full picture of a senior’s health, lifestyle, and support system.
What Does a Geriatrician Do?
- A geriatrician is a doctor with advanced training in the care of seniors. They specialise in:
- Diagnosis and management of age-related medical conditions
- Cognitive assessments for memory loss, dementia, or confusion
- Falls prevention and mobility assessment
- Medication review to reduce side effects and interactions
- Support for carers and family members
- Care planning for chronic and complex health needs
- The goal is to create a personalised, safe, and effective care plan that supports healthy ageing.
Conditions Commonly Managed in Geriatric Medicine
- Geriatricians treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Dementia and cognitive impairment
- Delirium
- Frailty and functional decline
- Recurrent falls
- Polypharmacy (multiple medications)
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and arthritis
- Nutritional concerns
- Depression, anxiety, and social isolation
- By addressing both medical and functional needs, geriatric care helps seniors remain active and independent for as long as possible.
Our Approach to Geriatric Care at Shire Doctors & Dentists
We believe that high-quality geriatric care should be:
Holistic
We assess physical health, mental wellbeing, mobility, medications, and social factors to understand the full picture.
Collaborative
We work closely with GPs, specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and allied health professionals.
Personalised
Every senior is unique. Your care plan is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Family-centred
Carers and family members play an essential role, and we support them every step of the way.
Preventive
We focus on early detection, reducing risk of falls, preventing hospitalisation, and promoting healthy ageing.
Who Should See a Geriatrician?
- A geriatric assessment may be helpful if you or a loved one is experiencing:
- Memory loss or cognitive concerns
- Frequent falls or balance issues
- Difficulty managing medications
- Unexplained weight los
- Increasing frailty
- Multiple chronic medical conditions
- Reduced ability to carry out daily activities
- Concerns about driving, safety, or independence
- Early assessment can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
Book a Geriatric Medicine Appointment
If you or a family member could benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment, our team is here to help.
Contact Shire Doctors & Dentists to book an appointment or to learn more about our geriatric services.