Geriatric Doctors: Elderly Care in the Philippines

In the Philippines, there are a growing number of geriatric doctors who are specializing in elderly care. This is due to the high population of elderly people in the country and the fact that there is a shortage of specialist doctors in this area. Geriatric doctors typically work with patients who are over 65 years old. They may also work with patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses related to aging. Geriatric doctors can provide care for patients who have difficulty walking or speaking, and they may also offer home health services.

The Philippines is a country with a population of over 100 million people. The population is growing older, and the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 8.5% of the population in 2010 to 16.1% by 2025. This means that there will be an increased need for care for elderly patients, and this will be especially true for those who are frail or have chronic health conditions.

Geriatric Medicine in the Philippines

There are currently few geriatric doctors in the Philippines, but this is likely to change as the population ages, and there is an increased need for care for elderly patients. There are a few geriatric clinics in Manila and Tagaytay, but they are well equipped to provide comprehensive care for elderly patients.

There are also few opportunities for elderly patients to receive geriatric medical care in their homes because Filipino culture dictates that children will take care of their parents and grandparents. There is a need for more geriatric doctors in the Philippines to properly take care of the aging parents, as there is a high incidence of chronic diseases and frailty in elderly patients.

Geriatric medicine in the Philippines is relatively new since the Philippine Congress has enacted House Bill 10697 (establishing dedicated medical facilities and geriatric specialty centers in the country) in January 2022.

Even though there is an estimated 10 million elderly patients in the Philippines, those elderly do not require treatment by a geriatric doctor due to the culture of close family ties in the Philippines. The children tend to take care of aging parents in the comfort of their homes.

In addition, there is a lack of training programs for geriatric doctors in the Philippines, so there is a shortage of specialists who can provide care to elderly patients.

There is an excellent opportunity for doctors to specialize in geriatric medicine in the Philippines as the demand increases in the future.

Elderly Care Hospitals and Geriatricians in the Philippines

There is no need to search for “geriatric doctors near me” on Google because we have done that for you. Below are some of the geriatric medicine physicians, hospitals, and clinics you can visit online.

• St. Luke’s Medical Center 
• Manila Doctors Hospital
• Philippine Academy of Family Physicians
• Southern Philippines Medical Center
• Tagaytay Medical Center
• Cardinal Santos Medical Center
• Manila Doctors Hospital

Geriatric Doctors, Organizations & Institutions:

Here are the geriatric doctors, organizations, and institutions advancing geriatric medicine in the Philippines:

• Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine
• Philippine Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology
• National Center for Geriatric Health (NCGH)
• Institute of Aging
• National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
• Dementia Society Philippines

What Is a Geriatrician?

A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in the care of elderly patients. Geriatricians are often responsible for the care of patients ranging in age from 65 to 95 years old. They may also be responsible for the care of younger patients who are considered at high risk for developing problems related to aging. They may work in a hospital or clinic or work independently.

What Is a Geriatric Medicine?

Geriatric medicine is a specialty that focuses on the care of elderly patients. Geriatric medicine often includes treatments for conditions that affect the elderly, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Geriatric doctors may also specialize in caring for patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or COPD.

What Does a Geriatrician Do?

A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of elderly patients. They often work in hospitals and clinics, providing care for patients from all stages of life, from infancy to old age. A geriatrician may also provide preventive care for elderly patients, such as screenings for diseases and lifestyle counseling.

What Conditions Do Geriatric Doctors Treat?

A geriatric doctor is a medical professional who specializes in treating elderly patients. A geriatric doctor may treat conditions that include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are some of the health conditions that geriatric doctors provide to their aging patients in the Philippines:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints of the body. It can be caused by several things, including arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Geriatric medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating elderly patients with arthritis. There are many different types of arthritis, and each requires different treatment. Some treatments include prescription medications, surgery, physical therapy, and pain relief therapies.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia and one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is no single cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help improve a person’s quality of life. Physicians who specialize in geriatric medicine are often called upon to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Cancer

Cancer is a significant health concern for both the elderly and children, with an estimated 1 in 4 people in the Philippines over age 65 expected to develop cancer during their lifetime. Geriatric medicine is a growing specialty that focuses on the unique needs of elderly patients, many of whom have comorbidities that complicate their care.

Dementia

Dementia is a condition that affects memory and thinking skills. As people age, the cells in their brains responsible for these abilities start to die off. This can lead to problems with daily activities and eventually dementia. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating dementia, but there are treatments that can help improve the patient’s quality of life. A critical aspect of care for elderly patients with dementia is ensuring they receive the right level of care and assistance as they struggle with basic tasks. Geriatric doctors who specialize in this area are often called on to provide guidance and support to patients and their families.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious complication in elderly patients, and it is increasing in prevalence. In the Philippines, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death, and it accounts for about one-third of all deaths in people aged 65 years and over. Diabetes complications include heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. There are few effective treatments available for diabetes in the elderly. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve patient outcomes. Geriatric medicine focuses on delivering comprehensive care to elderly patients with diabetes. This includes providing preventive care such as regular screenings for blood sugar levels and weight management advice, treating chronic complications such as hypertension, and providing support to caregivers. Geriatric doctors are essential to providing comprehensive care for diabetic patients in the Philippines.

Depression

Depression is a common problem in elderly patients, and it can be challenging to treat. Depression often affects mood, energy, and ability to enjoy life. It can also lead to changes in behavior, including difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

If you notice any changes in your elderly parent’s mood or behavior that seem unusual or worrying, please get in touch with their doctor. Geriatric doctors are experts in treating depression in elderly patients. They may recommend therapy or medication to help improve symptoms.

Frailty

Frailty is a term used to describe a person’s diminished physical strength and energy due to age. Elderly patients are more likely to experience frailty because they are more likely to have chronic diseases and conditions affecting their muscles and bones. Frailty can lead to falls, which can be dangerous for elderly patients. Physicians who specialize in geriatric medicine may be able to provide treatments for frailty and help prevent falls.

Hearing and Vision Loss

As we age, our hearing and vision may decline. This is especially true for elderly patients, who are more likely to experience hearing and vision loss due to age-related diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. To better care for elderly patients who experience hearing and vision loss, physicians must be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions and the available treatments.

Heart Diseases

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in elderly patients, and they are also the most common cause of hospitalization. In fact, one in four hospitalized elderly patients is due to heart disease. The most common heart diseases in the elderly are coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. CAD is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even death. A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function due to an obstruction or damage to one or more blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Symptoms may include weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, problems with vision or coordination, and seizures.

Incontinence

The incidence of incontinence in elderly patients is increasing due to the natural process of aging. Incontinence may be due to several factors such as weakness, loss of muscle mass, poor balance, and reduced mobility. In some cases, it may also result from medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer. Treatment options for elderly patients with incontinence vary depending on the cause and include lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss, medication therapy, surgery, and rehabilitation.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common problem in elderly patients and can lead to reduced quality of life. In geriatric patients, insomnia may be due to changes in sleep habits or medication side effects. Geriatric doctors may recommend treatment for insomnia, including melatonin supplements or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects the joints, most often the knee. It is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. OA is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage in the joint. The condition can also be caused by genetics, injury, or disease.

OA is treated with various treatments, including medication, surgery, and physical therapy. There are several types of OA, and each requires a different treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid joint replacement or disability complications.

Osteoporosis

There is an increasing incidence of osteoporosis in the elderly population, especially women. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) reports that one in four women over age 50 will develop osteoporosis, and one in five men over age 70 will experience the disease. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, but it can also be affected by other factors such as race, height, weight, and genetics.

The most common form of osteoporosis is primary bone loss (osteopenia), which occurs when the density of bones decreases below an average level. This can lead to fractures if not treated. Secondary bone loss (osteoporosis) is caused by factors such as a low intake of calcium, a high estrogen level, smoking, a history of falls, and being female. There is no one cure for osteoporosis, but treatments include dietary changes, exercise, and medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore bone density.

Team Members of a Geriatrician

These teams consist of healthcare workers from different specialties and family members who work together to provide comprehensive care for an elderly patient.

• Family members
• Caregivers
• Family physicians
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Social workers
• Community-based service providers
• Physical therapists

What are the Benefits of Going to Geriatric Doctors in the Philippines?

There are many benefits to seeking out a geriatric specialist in the Philippines.

First and foremost, these doctors are experts in caring for elderly patients and can help you with a wide range of issues related to aging.

Additionally, they often have access to unique treatments and therapies unavailable elsewhere, making them invaluable resources for those suffering from age-related illnesses.

Finally, many of these specialists are bilingual, so they can effectively communicate with their patients no matter their language skills.

There are many benefits of going to a geriatric specialist. Geriatric specialists can help with various issues, including dementia, heart disease, and arthritis. They can also provide advice on caring for an elderly parent or loved one.

What’s the Difference Between a Geriatrician and a Gerontologist?

A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of elderly patients.

A gerontologist is a doctor who specializes in the study and prevention of age-related diseases and disorders.

The Bottom Line: Geriatric Medicine Doctors, Elderly Care in the Philippines

The Philippines is a country that is home to an aging population. This means that there will be an increasing demand for geriatric doctors and elderly care in the Philippines. Geriatric medicine doctors are needed to provide care for the elderly, and they will be in high demand as the population ages. There are currently few geriatric medicine doctors in the Philippines, but this is likely to change as the need for their services increases.

Sources Geriatric Medicine Doctors

• Philippine News Agency
• Senate of the Philippines
• Philippine News Agency
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• NHS
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology
• British Geriatrics Society
• Oxford Medicine