Geriatric and Elder Care

"Geriatric syndrome" is a term that is often used to refer to common health conditions in older adults that do not fit into distinct organ-based disease categories and often have multifactorial causes. The list includes conditions such as cognitive impairment, delirium, incontinence, malnutrition, falls, gait disorders, pressure ulcers, sleep disorders, sensory deficits, fatigue and dizziness. These conditions are common in older adults, and they may have a major impact on quality of life and disability. Geriatric syndromes can best be identified by a geriatric assessment, which is offered at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC.

Cognition:

The incidence of dementia increases with age, yet many patients with cognitive impairment remain undiagnosed. The value of making an early diagnosis includes the possibility of uncovering treatable conditions. The evaluation of cognitive function preformed at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC is conducted through a computer based screening that test your memory impairment.

Falls/Imbalance:

Patients who have fallen or have a gait or balance problem are at a higher risk or having a subsequent fall and losing independence. At Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC we never want you to feel like you're losing control. Your primary care physician should regularly ask about recent falls and fall risks. There are effective interventions for people with a history of falls or risk for falling such as physical therapy, assistive devices (walkers, lift chairs) and/or a supervised exercise program, which is something our providers can assist with.

Activities of daily living:

An older adult's functional status can be assessed at 2 levels: activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These are things that the physicians at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC look for in geriatric patients.

ADLs refer to self-care tasks which include:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Maintaining continence
• Grooming
• Feeding

IADLs refer to the ability to maintain an independent household which include:

• Shopping for groceries
• Driving or using public transportation
• Using the telephone
• Performing household chores
• Preparing meals
• Doing laundry
• Taking medications
• Handling finances