Ask An Expert Archives
The questions and answers below are categorized under the following topic:
General Aging Questions
Questions:
- What is the difference between a gerontologist and a geriatrician? When do you know which you need?
- My mother has multiple medical problems and has become completely dependent. My family is deteriorating from the stress of coping with this situation. Any suggestions?
Questions and Answers:
What is the difference between a gerontologist and a geriatrician?
When do you know which you need?
A Gerontologist is a social scientist with a PhD in Gerontology;
the gerontologist works in the academic study of aging and the social
problems
of the older
adult. A Gerontologist can have a focus in education, social work,
public policy, public administration, and/or research.
A Geriatrician is a medical doctor who has received additional training specifically in treating older adults. Most Geriatricians usually see patients who are 75 years of age or older. Generally, a person is referred to a Geriatrician because of some form of impairment or a specific health issue, which impacts the quality of life.
To find a Geriatrician in your area, please visit www.seniornavigator.org.
Enter the topic "Geriatrician" and your ZIP code. To get answers
to your own caregiving concerns, visit this site and click on "Ask an
Expert."
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I need to identify all of the options available to assist my mother who is
in recovery from ongoing illnesses (asthma, pneumonia, physical weakness)
and depression. During the past two years, she has fluctuated from being virtually
independent to completely dependent. It is now questionable as to whether
she
should live alone until her physical and mental problems are addressed by
the proper professionals. My family is deteriorating from the stress of coping
with this situation. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
It may be helpful to consider scheduling a Geriatric Assessment for your
mother. The Geriatric Assessment identifies problems that an older person
might have
and then makes specific suggestions about how to treat and manage the problems.
Generally, multiple issues are identified and the process of management includes
more than one type of health care provider.
A consultation with a Geriatric Psychiatrist may also be beneficial to your mother. A Geriatric Psychiatrist is aware of the special physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults. Sometimes it is unclear whether an older adult's problem is dementia, depression, or the complications of a combination of physical illnesses in addition to dementia or depression. A Geriatric Psychiatrist plays an important role in assisting to solve this uncertainty.
To locate a Geriatric Psychiatrist or a Geriatrician near you who may be able
to provide a Geriatric Assessment, visit www.seniornavigator.org, type in the
topics "Psychiatrist" or "Geriatric Assessment" and your
ZIP code.
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