Geriatrics Department

The Geriatrics Department serves the elderly population, focusing on the complex health challenges posed by multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and declining organ function. It is a comprehensive specialty dedicated to the care of older adults. Older adults often coexist with multiple conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Concurrent use of several medications can increase the risk of drug–drug interactions. Rather than organizing care around individual organs, the department adopts a holistic approach, conducting thorough assessments and delivering personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s overall physical condition. Its clinical services encompass the management of common chronic diseases in older adults and interventions for geriatric syndromes, including frailty, fall risk, cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, malnutrition, polypharmacy management, and geriatric pain, while balancing disease treatment, functional preservation, and quality-of-life enhancement.

The specialty conducts comprehensive geriatric assessments for older patients, going beyond laboratory results to evaluate physical function, cognitive status, nutritional condition, and medication safety. It reviews all current medications, eliminates unnecessary drugs, minimizes adverse drug effects, and reduces the risks associated with polypharmacy. For elderly patients in a stable phase of chronic illness, treatment goals are appropriately adjusted to avoid overtreatment, while managing underlying conditions safely and preserving independent living skills. For frail or functionally declining older adults, seamless coordination is established with in‑hospital rehabilitation centers and Haijia Nursing Homes, ensuring a continuum of care that integrates medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The specialty places great emphasis on early detection of age‑related health issues, identifying often‑overlooked signs such as memory decline, reduced mobility, and diminished appetite, to enable timely intervention. In addition, family members receive education on caregiving practices, covering practical topics like home care, fall prevention, and nutritional support. This service is ideal for individuals aged 60 and above who have multiple chronic conditions, complex medication regimens, or experience physical frailty and functional decline, helping them balance disease management with quality of life.