Geriatrics is a medical specialty. Unlike other specialties that are focused on specific areas of the body (such as cardiology or dermatology) or specific types of diseases (such as oncology or psychiatry), geriatrics focuses on a stage of life—later life.
Examining the whole person
Geriatricians are trained to examine the many aspects of health and wellness as they relate to aging in order to prevent and treat disease and disability. Our team assesses:
- Emotional health: the general mood, temperament, and ability to cope with stress
- Function: how well an individual carries out day-to-day living activities
- Illness mastery: the degree to which an individual and his or her caretakers understand existing illnesses
- Medications: how effectively medications, or multiple medications, are treating the illnesses and their symptoms
- Physical health: the general health status and existing symptoms or concerns
- Social well being: the level and quality of interactions with family, friends, and others
If you think you need care
A patient’s primary care provider, surgeon, or other specialist may request an assessment and recommendations from our team. Our geriatricians see patients on an outpatient basis in the clinic in the Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services (HCS) building.
If you think you would benefit from care from a geriatrician, talk with your doctor to arrange for a referral.
Improving health and well-being
Our geriatrics team helps patients and families who are facing difficult issues that raise questions of health and safety. We work one-on-one with patients and family members to understand and assess all of the factors involved. Then, together, we develop comprehensive approaches to manage:
- Caregiver strain
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Falls and fractures
- Frailty
Together we work to manage problems and conditions to reduce symptoms and improve wellness. By leveraging strengths and identifying resources, we work to increase patients’ independence.
The goal is to help older adults do what they enjoy and live where they feel most comfortable. Daily life should be satisfying, rewarding, and safe.
Collaboration for the best care
Cheshire Medical Center’s geriatrics team works with other health care providers to offer a range of supports and services for issues related to aging, including:
- Family members and caregivers
- Home health care providers
- Nutritionists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Physiatrists
- Physical therapists
- Primary care and other physicians
- Social workers
ServiceLink Resource Center
Contact ServiceLink for information about help available to New Hampshire residents including services in the home. Call 1-866-634-9412 or 603-357-1922 in the Monadnock Region.
Healthy meals discounted for seniors
As part of the Senior Passport Program, community members and patients 60 years and older are invited to receive a free passport to better health information and discounted meals at the Art Nichols Café in Cheshire Medical Center.