Geriatric Medicine in Houston: Specialized Care for Seniors

The term “geriatric” refers to healthcare that supports older adults, typically those aged 65 and above. It focuses on maintaining overall health, managing age-related conditions, and promoting independence and quality of life.

Individuals are generally considered part of the geriatric population at age 65 and older. This age group often benefits from specialized adult primary care that focuses on preventive screenings, multiple chronic condition management, medication overload management, and long-term wellness. Also, if a senior is experiencing multiple chronic conditions or frailty, or dealing with early-onset cognitive concerns. 

A geriatric condition refers to health concerns that commonly affect older adults, such as mobility challenges, memory changes, fall risks, or multiple chronic conditions that require coordinated care and monitoring.

Geriatric care at Medical Clinic of Houston, L.L.P. aims to provide senior adults with thorough evaluations, preventive care, and ongoing management of chronic conditions. Our internists work collaboratively with patients and if authorized their family members, to support long-term wellness and functional independence. 

A geriatrician may help with:

• Cognitive evaluation
• Memory and depression screening
• Medication overload and medication reviews (Polypharmacology)
• Functional assessments (evaluating decline or changes in mobility, strength, or daily abilities)
• Falls and fall-risk assessments
• Osteopenia / Osteoporosis assessment
• Care for chronic and acute health problems
• Preventive care and immunization screenings
• Annual physical exams
• Frailty assessment & management
• Advanced care planning (health goals, future decisions, directives)
• Care coordination 

Yes. As specialists in internal medicine, our physicians at Medical Clinic of Houston, L.L.P. have extensive experience caring for adults. We also have a geriatrician who has completed a two-year geriatric fellowship, post her internal medicine residency, whose only patients are adults 65 years and older.  She is often sought out by the children of these seniors to manage medical issues related to the older patients’ care. Contact us if you have questions or clarifications.

While both are trained in internal medicine, a geriatrician has completed 1–2 years of additional fellowship training specifically in senior health. They specialize in the “Geriatric Syndrome,” which includes managing medication interactions (polypharmacy), fall prevention, and cognitive health, rather than just treating a single organ or disease.

While a same-day work-in appointment may be available, please call the office to relay the patient’s specific concerns and the request for an appointment; however, walk-ins are not available. Patients are encouraged to schedule in advance so the medical team can provide the most thorough and personalized care.

Geriatric care focuses on the unique needs of senior adults, including age-related changes, increased risk for certain conditions, medication management, preventive screenings, and support for maintaining independence.

Yes. The internists at Medical Clinic of Houston, L.L.P. often manage several health concerns during a single appointment. We take a comprehensive approach, reviewing symptoms, history, and available test results to make well-informed medical decisions.

In addition to the common problems seen in primary care, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other conditions, conditions commonly seen in geriatric primary care include falls, dementia, depression, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and frailty. Due to the complexity of multiple health concerns, appointments may range from 60 to 90 minutes in duration.

Most older adults benefit from seeing a primary care physician at least once a year for a wellness examination. More frequent visits may be recommended for individuals managing multiple or ongoing health conditions.

It is important that preventive screenings are tailored to the individual and are appropriate for an older adult’s age, functional status, and healthcare preferences. Preventive screenings should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Early diagnosis allows the physician to identify changes in health before they become more serious. With timely evaluation and testing (available on-site), patients receive accurate information about their health and guidance on next steps.

New patients should bring a list of current medications, previous medical records if available, information about past health concerns, and details about any recent symptoms.

Yes. One of the primary roles of a geriatrician is Medication Overload Management. They review all prescriptions to identify potential side effects or dangerous interactions, often streamlining a patient’s regimen to improve safety and daily energy levels.

Yes. Fall prevention is an important part of geriatric care. Physicians evaluate balance, mobility, medications, bone health, and vision to help reduce fall risks and promote safety.

Memory changes are common with age, and the medical team can evaluate these concerns through examinations, evaluation of the patient’s history, appropriate testing, and, if necessary, refer to a specialist.

Many adults 65 and older choose to discuss future healthcare preferences, including advance directives. Our physicians can guide these conversations to ensure patient wishes are clearly communicated.

If a specialist is needed, the primary care physician coordinates referrals and collaborates with other departments within the clinic. Having multiple specialties under one roof allows for efficient communication and streamlined care. Call us at (713)-526-5511 if you have questions.

Seeing the same physician builds a long-term relationship, enabling the provider to monitor changes over time, understand personal health patterns, and make more informed decisions tailored to the patient’s needs.

Family involvement can be helpful, especially for adults managing multiple conditions. With patient’s written permission, family members may participate in visits, discuss concerns, and help support the patient’s care plan at home.