Geriatric care is spelled with a soft g followed by the letters e, r, i, a, t, and i, and the hard c sound followed by the letters a and r. The word is pronounced /dʒerɪˈætrɪk kɛr/, with the stress on the second syllable. Geriatric care refers to medical care for the elderly population, including treatment for chronic conditions, palliative care, and rehabilitation services. As the population ages, demand for geriatric care services is expected to increase.
Geriatric care refers to the specialized medical care and support services provided to elderly individuals to promote their overall well-being and quality of life. Also known as geriatric medicine or gerontology, it specifically caters to the unique needs of older adults, addressing their physical, emotional, and social requirements as they navigate the various challenges associated with aging.
This field of healthcare encompasses a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of illnesses and conditions commonly experienced by elderly individuals. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals with expertise in geriatrics, such as geriatricians, geriatric nurses, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and other specialists.
Geriatric care focuses on managing and preventing age-related ailments, such as chronic diseases, cognitive decline, mobility limitations, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It emphasizes the promotion of functional independence and the maintenance of quality of life by addressing medical, social, and psychological factors that can significantly impact an elderly person's overall well-being.
Services provided in geriatric care may include comprehensive geriatric assessments, medication management, chronic disease management, falls prevention programs, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, palliative care, and end-of-life planning. The goal is to ensure optimal health outcomes for older adults, maximize their independence, and enhance their overall quality of life in their later years.
The word "geriatric care" originates from combining two terms: "geriatric" and "care".
- "Geriatric" comes from the Greek word "geron" meaning "old man" or "old age", and the suffix "-ic" meaning "pertaining to" or "related to". Therefore, "geriatric" refers to anything related to old age or the elderly.
- "Care" comes from the Old English word "caru", which means "sorrow" or "anxiety". Over time, its meaning evolved to include "close attention", "protection", or "taking charge of". In the context of geriatric care, it specifically refers to the compassionate and professional attention given to elderly individuals to meet their medical, emotional, and daily life needs.
Combining these two terms, "geriatric care" refers to the specialized care and support provided to older or elderly people.