Understanding Geriatric Care

Geriatric Care or Geriatric Medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life of elderly patients. Over the years, the numerous advancements in medicine and healthcare systems have led to a significant increase in the lifespan of individuals. Associated with this is a drastic rise in the number of people belonging to the aging population of 65 years and older. This has led to numerous research and studies done to identify and address the distinct medical and health care needs specific to this age group. It is important to learn that as we age, and upon reaching this advanced age group, our needs physically and medically change drastically than those of when we were younger. 

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Aging brings with it a noticeable decline in physical capacity and capability. Athletic individuals, who in the past were able to exercise and compete in sports regularly, may now find themselves more easily fatigued and less limber and flexible. In individuals older than the age of 70, falls and fractures become more common due to several factors such as decreases in motor coordination, as well as, a decrease in bone density. To address this, several medical-aid products are now available such as walkers and canes that help older individuals to be mobile but protect them for possible fall risk. There are also several milk formulas that are catered specifically to older individuals to provide more calcium and nutrition to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. 

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Another growing cause of concern for patients in the advanced age group is the noticeable decrease in both appetite and metabolism. Elderly patients have been known to eat less which could lead to significant weight loss and puts them at risk for developing malnutrition. Special attention should be given to proper nutritional build-up in older patients to prevent malnutrition and the development of other associated co-morbidities. To combat this, several feeding products are now currently available that are specially formulated with the required amount of calories, as well as, being densely packed with vitamins and minerals. In more drastic cases, as with patients who cannot tolerate oral feeding, there are available alternative enteral feeding routes that can be accessed such as through the nose or directly to the stomach. This helps prevent the onset in wasting of patients who may be bedridden or suffering from debilitating medical conditions. 

Elderly patients may also start to notice having problems with urination and defecation. These are quite varied in how they present and what causes them. Some may require the use of catheters while others may have undergone an ostomy procedure and require stoma care. These may require special instruments and products to properly maintain and to prevent bacterial contamination. 

Here at BuyMedical.com, we have a wide range of products specifically designed to make geriatric care easier. They are specially designed to maximize patient comfort and to improve their quality of life. We also have several articles providing information for a broad number of geriatric concerns such as enteral feeding, urinary incontinence, and stoma care. To learn more about all these, keep browsing here at BuyMedical.com and consult your healthcare physician to find out which products best suit you or your loved ones.

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