Geriatric Care

As you age, your risk of many common chronic diseases increases significantly. Elahe Toulouie MD Inc.’s experienced internal medicine specialists provide accessible, high-quality geriatric care tailored to your requirements from offices in La Mesa, El Cajon, and San Diego, California. Dr. Toulouie and her team offer respectful, compassionate care to patients with health problems typical of advanced age. Call your nearest office to learn more about benefiting from geriatric care, or schedule a consultation online today.

When do I need geriatric care?

The age at which you need geriatric care varies depending on your general wellness. Some people are fit and active well into their eighties. Others struggle with multiple health issues in their sixties.

Many people develop two or more chronic conditions requiring multiple medications. In addition, everyday infections, illnesses, and injuries might affect your health more severely than someone young and fit. For example, getting a cold, the flu, or a urinary tract infection (UTI) when you’re older is more likely to cause complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Your chances of needing hospital treatment are much higher with advanced age, and poor mobility can lead to open wounds (ulcers) on the legs, feet, and areas under constant pressure. Minor falls are likely to result in fractures.

What conditions require geriatric care?

Conditions that often require geriatric care include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hearing loss
• Sight loss
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disorders
• High cholesterol
• Kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• Gallbladder disease
• Incontinence

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-causing conditions are also more common in older people.

What geriatric care might I need?

The care you need in later life depends on your particular health challenges, but you likely benefit from the following:

Chronic disease management

Chronic disease management is vital to promote better health in later life. Elahe Toulouie MD Inc. provides regular checkups, blood and other lab tests, and services specific to your condition, like diabetic foot care.

Screening

Screening for older adults includes assessing balance, coordination, mobility, frailty, continence, and memory function. You might require screening for certain cancers, although some screenings, like Pap smears for cervical cancer, cease after 65. You also need to continue having your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar measured.

Annual wellness visits

Medicare annual wellness visits are yearly checkups after 65 to review your health. Your provider creates an action plan based on your personal risk assessment questionnaire to reduce your risk of preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes. You return once a year for an action plan review and update.

Medication management

Medication management reviews ensure you take the most effective drugs at the correct dose for your current health problems. They also help you avoid harmful side effects.

Call Elahe Toulouie MD Inc. today or book an appointment online to see how you can benefit from geriatric care.