Geriatric Medicine Services

Geriatric medicine is the Specialty concerned with all aspects of health and illness in the elderly. Older persons often suffer from multiple chronic illnesses and, because of changes associated with aging, may present atypically when they fall ill.

Apart from the interaction of co-existent illnesses with declining physiological reserves that are to be expected with aging, older persons may also suffer from the effects of multiple medications interacting with each other. The resultant clinical manifestations of illnesses in older persons are often referred to as “geriatric syndromes”. A geriatrician is often the most effective person to take care of the older individuals and their medical problems.

A geriatrician is a medical specialist trained in the care of the older person. In addition to being exposed to the medical problems faced by the older and frailer person, he is also trained to handle the preventive, rehabilitative and psychosocial aspect that is so important in the holistic care of the older person, the family and the home environment.

Our geriatric services includes the following:

1. Treatment of Common Medical Conditions in Old Age e.g. Hypertension, Diabetes, Stroke, Parkinson's Disease.
   
   
2. Treatment of Specific Problems in Old Age: Certain conditions like urine or bowel incontinence, constipation, falls, unsteady gait, forgetfulness, dementia, osteoporosis and arthritis are specific problems faced by the older person.
   
   
3. Dormiciliary Medical Service (House Call Service) - the older person may be disabled or unable to get out of the house to seek medical help. Consultations are provided at the comfort of the patient's home. This includes specialist visits to those who are admitted to nursing homes as well.
   
   
4. Multiphasic Screening for Men and Women - To note that there is a difference in screening between them. Currently available programmes are similar for both sexes, and not catered to the elderly. This is a programme that screens for important and common illnesses in old age.
   
   
5. Dementia Screening Programme - Programme that screens for people with poor memory. To assess if they are just forgetful or have early onset dementia.
   
   
6. Rehabilitative Services: This can be provided as an inpatient or home-based programme; and include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. These services will help the disabled person to improve their functional status.
   
7. Patient Education and Caregiver Training: This is a very important part in the overall care of the older person. We can provide personalized caregiver training at the comfort of the person's home.
    

Our Geriatricians

1. Dr Chan Kin Ming
2. Dr Sitoh Yih Yiow

For appointments or enquiry, please call us at Tel: 9829 3647 /6347 6788