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Geriatrician visit
geriatrician · doctor for older people · senior health check · geriatric consultation
A doctor for older people looks at your health as a whole: memory, balance, mood and medicines. They help you stay independent.
For people over 65 to 70 with several illnesses at once, falls, worsening memory or many medicines.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 40 to 60 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Medicines. Put all the packages in a bag and bring them. The doctor will check how they work together.
- Companion. It is best to come with a close person who knows about your health and daily life.
- Questions. Write down in advance what worries you most.
What to bring
- Your ID
- All your medicines in their packages
- Discharge summaries and doctors' reports
- Glasses and a hearing aid, if you have them
How it goes
- The doctor asks in detail about your health and daily life
- Checks your medicines
- Does simple tests of memory and balance
- Measures your blood pressure and weight
- Examines you
- Makes a plan: treatment, exercises and help at home
What you'll feel
- The visit is painless
- The tests are simple, sometimes tiring - you can ask for a break
Afterwards
- The doctor may stop or replace some medicines - do not change them yourself
- At home, remove things you could trip over
- Come back for a follow-up when your doctor says
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Sudden weakness in an arm or leg, a drooping face or trouble speaking - call your local emergency number
- Sudden confusion - call your local emergency number
Common questions
Why a geriatrician if I have a general doctor?
A geriatrician sees everything together and helps sort out many medicines and problems.
Can a relative come without the older person?
They can ask for advice, but the patient needs to be examined in person. Ask the clinic.