about-geriatrics

What is Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care experts provide interdisciplinary team-based care to improve health and well-being for frail, multicomplex older adults across care settings. The goal of geriatric medicine is to promote healthy aging, prevent and treat diseases and disabilities, and support quality of life as people age. The Division of Geriatrics, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine is committed to advancing, expanding, and integrating high-quality geriatrics, hospice, and palliative care across the health system while serving as a leader and model for excellence in compassionate, patient-centered care.

Why is Geriatric Care Important?

Geriatric care is important because it addresses the unique and complex health needs of older adults, ensuring they receive the most appropriate, coordinated, and compassionate care as they age.

Geriatric Care Team

The UC Davis Geriatic care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other health professionals, all with specialized training and expertise to meet the needs of our aging population.

Key Aspects of Geriatric Care

1. Holistic Approach: Geriatric care looks at the whole person, physical, mental, emotional, and social health, rather than just treating individual diseases.
2. Management of Multiple Conditions: Older adults often live with multiple chronic conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia), so geriatric care emphasizes coordination and prioritization of treatments.
3. Cognitive and Functional Assessment: Regular evaluation of memory, mobility, daily functioning, and mental health (e.g., depression, dementia) is critical.
4. Medication Management: Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug reactions, so geriatricians aim to reduce unnecessary medications
5. Fall Prevention and Mobility: Geriatrics includes assessing and reducing fall risk, improving balance, and supporting physical therapy if needed.
6. Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Geriatric care often includes discussions about goals of care, advance directives, and comfort-focused care in serious or terminal illness.
7. Caregiver Support: Recognizing that many older adults rely on family or professional caregivers, geriatric care includes support and education for those providing daily assistance.