4 Ways Geriatric Care Can Help Boost Your Health

You might think of aging as purely cosmetic, like wrinkles and gray hair, but the truth is that aging brings on a cascade of changes in physical and mental health. 

That’s where geriatric care comes in — it’s not just about managing the signs of aging but helping you live a healthier, more active life.

Dr. Tomas Rios, Dr. Nicolin Neal, and our team at Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, Texas, specialize in geriatric care, offering older adults tailored approaches to health care that evolve with their needs. 

Here, we discuss four ways geriatric care can make a huge difference as you age.

1. It helps you manage chronic disease 

Nearly all (95%) of older adults have at least one chronic illness, such as arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes, and 8 in 10 have two or more ongoing conditions. 

Our geriatric care services focus on chronic disease management and treatment plans tailored to your needs. We help you reduce symptoms and prevent health complications from worsening through medication, lifestyle guidance, and regular monitoring.

We also adapt your management plan as your health needs change over time. 

2. It simplifies your medication 

Many older patients juggle multiple prescriptions daily, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions, medication errors, or dangerous drug interactions. Our geriatric specialists ensure your treatments complement one another rather than conflict.

Deprescribing — carefully reducing unnecessary medications — is another important aspect of geriatric care. We thoroughly review your current medications and look for ways to streamline your prescriptions, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks. 

The goal here isn’t just safety — it’s also about easing the stress of managing complicated treatment plans.

3. It emphasizes personalized preventive care 

Regular preventive care is vital at any age but is especially critical for older adults. Our geriatric care specialists design preventive plans for your age and health profile. 

Screenings for conditions commonly associated with aging — like osteoporosis, dementia, or cancer — are key components. We also recommend lifestyle changes to keep you healthy and help you avoid unnecessary accidents and conditions.

For example, our caring providers focus on reducing fall risks, improving cognitive health, and addressing sleep challenges. These interventions proactively delay or prevent health issues, keeping you healthier for longer.

4. It prioritizes independence and aging in place 

If you’re like most aging adults, staying in your own home is a top priority, and our geriatric care helps you make that a reality. 

We can identify ways to reduce risks at home, such as eliminating tripping hazards or suggesting physical therapies to maintain mobility. We also work with your family to create clear care plans and connect them with local resources tailored to aging adults.

By addressing both physical health and home safety, geriatric care ensures that aging in place isn’t only possible but also enjoyable and secure.

When should you seek geriatric care? 

There isn’t a specific age when someone should transition to geriatric care; the right time depends on your unique health needs. 

Most patients begin exploring this type of care around age 65, while others may find it helpful later or sooner if managing multiple chronic conditions or navigating complex treatments. 

If you feel overwhelmed trying to coordinate care across multiple providers, or if standard primary care no longer meets your health needs, it may be time to consider geriatric care. 

Our team at Rios Healthcare Associates streamlines this transition seamlessly. Call or request an appointment online today to learn more about how geriatric care can benefit your life.