Everyone knows kids’ health needs differ a lot from the health needs of adults. Pediatric care evolved to serve those needs.
But childhood isn’t the only time of rapidly changing health needs. When we get older — especially over age 60 — our health needs once again can change dramatically. That’s where geriatric primary care comes in.
Geriatric medicine specializes in the unique needs of older adults, particularly those 60 years and older. But even younger patients can benefit from seeing a geriatric care provider, especially if they want to lay the foundation for a healthy life later on.
At Affordable & Restorative Health, Winston Griner, MD, specializes in geriatric primary care, tailoring each plan to the evolving needs of the individual patient. Here’s how geriatric care could help you.
The basics of geriatric primary care
Primary care medicine focuses on the diagnosis of new medical issues, as well as ongoing management of existing health problems. Geriatric primary care serves the same functions, but with a focus on the medical issues that tend to be more common as we get older.
At his practice in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Griner employs a holistic, whole-patient approach to care, helping patients lead healthier lives in addition to managing their specific medical issues.
During each office visit, Dr. Griner listens carefully to your symptoms and health concerns so he can develop a complete picture of your wellness. He performs a comprehensive physical exam, including vital signs and other evaluations and tests, based on your medical history.
Then he works with you to tailor care plans aimed at improving your health and quality of life. When needed, he can recommend specialists or work with your current specialists to coordinate a complete plan of care.
Why geriatric care is important
Aging can be challenging. As we get older, we’re much more likely to have at least one chronic disease or medical condition, and more than half of us will be juggling more than one long-term health problem.
Some of the most common chronic medical problems affecting older Americans include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Arthritis
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
- Balance issues
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
- Lung and breathing issues
Many people with multiple health issues also take multiple medicines, increasing the risk of dangerous and even life-threatening side effects. Dr. Griner’s holistic approach to geriatric primary care focuses on minimizing medicines when possible while helping patients be proactive in improving their health.
Dr. Griner also offers the 100Plus® remote monitoring system to help patients monitor their medical issues between office visits. Combined with telehealth visits, the 100Plus system helps Dr. Griner actively manage your medical care right from the comfort of your own home.
Geriatric care for your healthy future
There’s a saying: When you have your health, you have everything. Geriatric primary care helps you maintain your health — and your quality of life — for as long as possible, so you can continue to enjoy life on your terms.
To find out more about geriatric care at Affordable & Restorative Health, call us at 615-903-2401 or request an appointment online with Dr. Griner today.
