A geriatrician is a physician who specialises in assessing, diagnosing and treating elderly people.
They provide comprehensive medical care to people 65 years or older in various areas of aged health.
Geriatricians work towards enabling and empowering individuals to continue leading a life that is fulfilling and help them maintain the activities and pursuits they enjoy.
Dr Chana will work with local GPs, providing them with information they need to better understand the personal needs of each patient and offer specialist input on medicine for the elderly.
Geriatricians can help evaluate a person’s living situation to offer modifications or services that can make home life easier and safer, and can help people decide which living situation is best if an elderly person is having trouble managing his or her own care at home.
Geriatricians are also comfortable discussing end-of-life issues with patients and their families, including living wills, advanced directives and goals of care.
Dr Chana is trained to diagnose conditions that often present differently in older people and to develop care plans that address the special health care needs of ageing people.
He will focus on all aspects of health care and medical conditions, as well as treating patients with one or more geriatric syndrome such as memory problems (behavioural and psychological problems associated with dementia), frailty, multi-morbidity, chronic pain, falls and balance, incontinence and depression.
Through his role, Dr Chana may also undertake a medication review focussing on side effects from taking many medications.
Dr Chana will visit Seymour Health on Friday mornings from 9am to 1pm, however this may extend to an additional day in the near future.
Seymour Health chief executive Chris McDonnell said there was a distinct need for specific care given the ageing population of Seymour and strong evidence suggesting an increasing incidence of dementia.
‘‘Geriatricians are experts in geriatric syndromes and common health problems associated with ageing,’’ Mr McDonnell said.
‘‘Seymour Health is fortunate to have someone with Dr Chana’s expertise who is specifically trained in how these ailments affect the physical and emotional health of an elderly person to help our older adults maintain their function.’’
Elderly people suffering from chronic, complex medical conditions, including social, psychological or physical concerns, will need a referral from their doctor to make an appointment with Dr Chana.
Appointments can be made by phoning the Seymour Health Ambulatory Care Centre on 57358050.
15°C