An Insight Into Geriatrics

Geriatrics or geriatric medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the health and care of elderly people, specifically those aged 65 years and above. A specialist in this field tells us what the role of a geriatrician entails.

- Pank Jit Sin

We may think that geriatric care and looking after the elderly simply means asking “how are you doing today?” or “have you taken your medicines?” Of course, it is seldom this simple. Dr Chen Queen Liung, a consultant geriatrician, says that her role encompasses that of a physician, counsellor and carer of sorts. These roles may flow beyond the patient to the family members, as many are just as anxious as the patient.

At her workplace, patients are usually referred to her by the physician on duty. Once she takes over a patient, Dr Chen assesses the person and tries to see which aspects of care are needed. Her responsibility is that of an overseer. Each patient is unique as they come from different backgrounds or level of health. “You can have a very active and spritely 80-year-old or a weak and sickly 65-year-old. Their needs are going to be different,” she says.

In some cases, patients or their carers come looking for her. “When you have aged patients, you’ll find that some of their children are overseas and they have come back to attend to their parent. They are usually very clear on what they want, and they know the role of a geriatrician,” she shares.