Geriatric Clinic
Thailand has approximately 12.6 million residents aged 60 and older, making up 20% of the total population, marking the transition to an aging society. In 2022, data from the Department of Provincial Administration revealed that the number of centenarians has surpassed 7,000, increasing over the past decade. By 2026, projections indicate that the elderly population will reach 15 million, making up 30% of the total population, and grow to 20 million by 2038.
MedPark Hospital places great importance on Geriatric care. We strive to enhance the quality of life and promote independence for senior patients. We have developed comprehensive care that prioritizes patient comfort and convenience. Our services include detailed health assessments covering all bodily systems, aiming to prevent disease, minimize the risk of complications, and optimize the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation for physical and mental well-being. We focus on helping elderly patients and their families live happy, fulfilling lives together in the community.
4 Strategic Cores: Prevent, Develop, Treat, and Restore
At MedPark Hospital Geriatric Clinic, we provide comprehensive care for older adults based on four fundamental principles:
- Prevention
- Development
- Treatment
- Restoration
Geriatric specialists prioritize the health of older adults by addressing every aspect of their well-being, focusing on the three Bs: Brain, Body, and Bone.
- Brain: Many elderly individuals suffer from cognitive impairments that hinder their ability to live independently. Effective treatment and management of conditions such as dementia are essential for enhancing the quality of life, enabling older adults to engage in daily activities autonomously.
- Body: Comprehensive diagnostic assessments are crucial for identifying underlying health issues, including heart disease, kidney dysfunction, cancer, and diabetes. Advanced technologies such as blood tests, X-rays, and abdominal ultrasounds provide detailed and accurate results, allowing physicians to develop effective treatment and health management plans for elderly patients.
- Bone: Bones are the structural framework for mobility, stability, and overall physical function. Regular care of the bones and joints can slow the deterioration of skeletal health, preventing injuries such as fractures, hip breaks, and falls that may lead to prolonged immobility and bed rest in older patients.
Why Geriatric Clinic at MedPark Hospital?
- Geriatric specialists staff our clinic, bringing expertise in managing the complexities of elderly care. Many older patients face multiple comorbidities and require various medications. The physiological challenges faced by older adults differ significantly from those of younger individuals. Furthermore, with specialists across all medical disciplines and advanced medical technology, MedPark can provide effective, comprehensive treatments. Our multidisciplinary team comprises psychologists, physical therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and seasoned nursing professionals, all dedicated to the care of senior patients. This collaborative approach enables us to fully understand their unique needs and acknowledge the limitations they may encounter.
- Our facility employs specialized pharmacists with expertise in geriatric pharmacotherapy, committed to ensuring that medication management for elderly patients is safe and appropriate. Many older adults contend with comorbidities, necessitating polypharmacy, which may heighten the risk of adverse reactions and potential drug interactions, which can profoundly affect their health. Consequently, Effective medication management for elderly patients requires expertise and meticulous attention from pharmacists.
- We have psychologists available for consultations, recognizing that elderly individuals may be prone to mental health issues due to the impact of illness, stress, and loneliness, including depression and anxiety. Our psychologists work in tandem with Geriatric specialists to provide comprehensive care. Severe symptoms found in an assessment will lead to referrals for specialized psychiatric support and treatment.
- We provide services with the warmth and care of family. Our nursing team and staff provide holistic support to elderly patients and their families, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs. With cheerful and attentive staff, the clinic fosters a warm and relaxing atmosphere, allowing elderly patients and their relatives to feel at home and confident in their care.
Diseases and disorders
- Common diseases in seniors include dementia, diabetes, hypertension, hypotension, hyperlipidemia, stroke, ischemic heart disease, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
- Neurological and brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease
- Urinary system disorders such as kidney disease, renal failure, chronic kidney disease, urinary incontinence, and frequent nighttime urination
- Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery stenosis or blockage, ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure
- Respiratory system disorders like influenza, asthma, pneumonia, lung infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory tract infections
- Hearing problems in seniors, such as age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), tinnitus, deafness, and auditory hallucinations
- Mental health concerns in seniors, such as depression, stress, and insomnia
- Nutritional challenges in seniors, e.g., loss of appetite, malnutrition, difficulty swallowing, and frequent choking
Tests and procedures
- Diagnosis and treatment of common conditions in the elderly
- Screening and treatment of dementia
- Blood tests to detect abnormalities in various diseases
- MRI scans to assess abnormalities in the brain and body
- Mental health assessments in older adults
- Regular monitoring and follow-up of conditions as recommended by physicians
- Counseling on care for elderly individuals with special needs, such as dementia patients or bedridden individuals
- Guidance on screening for diseases, including cancer and osteoporosis, and preventive vaccinations
Specialties
- Complex diseases in seniors, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc
- Degenerative brain in the elderly
- Polypharmacy in seniors. Older adults may suffer from multiple comorbid conditions requiring concurrent use of multiple medications in one setting. Managing this simultaneous intake of various drugs necessitates careful control and coordination to ensure proper medication administration. Collaboration among physicians, pharmacists, and nurses is essential in developing a comprehensive medication management plan to prevent adverse drug reactions, such as overdosing or harmful side effects while ensuring that medication use is both safe and effective in achieving optimal treatment outcomes.