Geriatric Medicine

Geriatrics is a medical specialty dedicated to the comprehensive healthcare needs of older adults. Like how paediatrics addresses the unique medical needs of children, geriatric care recognises that ageing brings distinct physiological, psychological, and social changes that require specialised medical attention. Geriatric care is generally recommended for individuals aged 60 years and above. Malaysia is experiencing a rapidly ageing population. As of 2023, approximately 7.3% of Malaysia's population is aged 65 years and above, officially classifying the country as an aging nation. By 2030, it is projected that 15.3% of the population will be aged 60 years and above, which translates to about 5.8 million individuals. This demographic shift highlights the growing importance of geriatrics in ensuring healthy ageing, maintaining independence, and improving quality of life among older adults.

In addition to managing common age-related medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis, geriatricians are trained to recognise and manage a group of conditions known as geriatric syndromes. These include issues such as frailty, falls, memory impairment, incontinence, malnutrition, polypharmacy (use of multiple medications), and immobility. Geriatric syndromes often arise from the interaction of multiple medical, functional, and social factors rather than a single disease, and they require a holistic and individualised approach to care.

Geriatricians focus on the overall well-being of older adults by addressing not only physical health, but also emotional, cognitive, functional, and social needs. Care is often coordinated through a multidisciplinary team that may include primary care physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, mental health professionals, social workers, caregivers, and family members. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care that supports independence, safety, and dignity in ageing.

The goal of specialised geriatric care is to prevent illness where possible, manage chronic conditions effectively, reduce hospitalisations, and enhance quality of life, thus allowing older adults to age healthily and comfortably within their communities.

List of conditions

• Frailty syndrome
• Dementia and memory problems
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Osteoporosis
• Recurrent falls
• Urinary incontinence
• Poor nutrition and weight loss
• Multiple chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)
• Medication-related complications

List of Services

1. Functional and mobility assessment
• This evaluates your ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, dressing, bathing, bladder and bowel control, toilet usage, and transferring between a bed and a chair. This is essential to ensure that the elderly can live independently and perform important life roles.
2. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and chronic disease management
• Your medical history and medication will be reviewed, along with a physical test to evaluate your vision, hearing, continence, gait, and balance. This is to assess all scopes of geriatric syndromes.
3. Cognitive and memory evaluation
• Your geriatrician will assess different areas of your cognitive function by testing you on short- and long-term memory, math, attention and concentration, naming objects, and judgment. There will also be questionnaires where the points obtained will help your doctor in determining your likelihood of having depression.
4. Assessment of socioenvironmental situation
• This assessment is usually done by or together with a social worker. Based on your social network (support from your family and friends), your financial condition, and convenience of access to housing, safety, transport, and other local resources, your geriatric team can make a comprehensive care plan for you.
5. Fall risk assessment
• Conducts a comprehensive fall risk assessment to evaluate balance, muscle strength, mobility, vision, medications, and home safety risks. Early identification of fall risk helps prevent fractures, head injuries, and loss of independence.
6. Medication review and optimization
• Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, dizziness, and confusion. You will be subjected to a ‘brown bag’ review where you will have to bring in all your medicines and supplements to your appointment and also be assessed on your ability to follow medication instructions and manage them safely. This is to ensure safe prescribing, reduce unnecessary medications, adjust dosages appropriately, and optimise treatment outcomes while minimising risks.
7. Care coordination with family members and caregivers
• We provide structured care coordination to ensure clear communication, proper monitoring at home, and adherence to treatment plans. This approach improves patient safety, reduces hospital readmissions, and supports caregivers in managing complex medical needs confidently.
8. Post hospitalization care planning
• We develop personalised post-hospitalisation care plans to ensure smooth transition from hospital to home. This includes medication adjustment, follow-up scheduling, rehabilitation planning, chronic disease monitoring, and caregiver education.