Geriatric Medicine

What Is a Geriatrician?

Geriatricians are medical doctors who have completed a residency in internal medicine or family medicine. They undergo additional training in the medical, social and psychological issues facing older adults. People typically start seeing geriatric medicine providers in their mid-60s. People in their 50s with complex medical needs may also benefit from these services.     

Exceptional Geriatric Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

As you age, you typically have more health needs, some of which can be challenging to manage on your own. You may be seeing multiple doctors, taking several medications or navigating long-term treatments. But you don’t have to face these issues alone. 

UMass Memorial Health is one of the few programs in the region with geriatricians who work with a complete network of specialists to help you thrive. Our training and sensitivity to the needs of older adults lead to personalized care, supporting the highest possible functioning and quality of life. 

Conditions We Treat

Geriatricians provide standard internal medicine or family medicine services. In addition, they help older adults who have or are at risk for:   

• Balance issues and frequent falls
• Bladder and bowel incontinence
• Depression and other emotional issues
• Hearing loss
• Malnutrition
• Memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive changes 
• Mobility issues
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke and cerebrovascular disease
• Vision issues, including age-related macular degeneration

Our Geriatric Care Services

Care from geriatric medicine providers starts with a comprehensive assessment. We find out as much as possible about your current health concerns. We also screen and perform risk assessments for additional issues common in older adults. This approach enables us to develop a personalized care plan addressing all your needs while lowering the risk of complications.

Steps we take to create your care plan:  

• Diagnose common medical issues and prescribe appropriate therapies
• Adjust the type or dose of medications you are taking to prevent drug interactions and harmful side effects
• Refer you to other UMass Memorial specialists who conduct advanced evaluations
• Arrange at-home care, if necessary, from home health aides and other providers
• Engage social workers to help you access specialized assistance and local resources
• Coordinate supportive therapies that may include physical or occupational therapy
• Refer you to a higher level of care, when necessary, such as an assisted living center or rehabilitation facility
• Work with our palliative medicine doctors who provide additional services, such as pain management and advanced directive planning