Geriatric Services
Our geriatric medicine team in New Jersey is dedicated to helping older adults live healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives.
Overview
At Summit Health, our geriatric medicine team is dedicated to helping older adults live healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives. We understand that aging brings unique health needs, and our geriatricians are here to guide you and your family with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.
Geriatricians are physicians who specialize in caring for older adults, ages 66 and older. They are board certified in family medicine or internal medicine, then complete additional fellowship training in geriatric medicine. This means they bring both deep medical knowledge and a thoughtful understanding of the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with aging.
Our approach to eldercare goes far beyond diagnosing and treating illness. Our geriatricians take the time to review each patient's full medical history, assess their ability to manage daily activities, evaluate whether multiple medications may be causing symptoms, and make sure the right support systems are in place at home and in the community. When needed, they also help families explore safe living arrangements and navigate difficult decisions with care.
Because older adults often manage several health concerns at once, we believe elderly care works best as a team effort. Your geriatrician leads a multidisciplinary team that may include:
- Nurses and pharmacists who help manage complex care and medications
- Social workers and geriatric care managers who coordinate resources and support
- Physical therapists and occupational therapists who improve strength and mobility
- Nutritionists who support healthy aging through diet
- Elder care psychologists who specialize in depression and emotional well-being
- Neurologists who diagnose and treat dementia
- Urologists who address incontinence and urinary tract infections
- Ear specialists who evaluate hearing and balance concerns
Working together, this team builds a personalized care plan focused on one goal: improving the quality of life for our patients, their families, and their caregivers.
Conditions and procedures
Our geriatric services address a wide range of conditions and needs that older adults commonly face. Whether you are managing a chronic illness or simply want extra support as you age, our specialists are here to help.
Dementia and memory care. We diagnose and manage dementia and other memory conditions, offering support and guidance for both patients and families throughout the journey.
Depression and emotional health. Our elder care psychologists identify and treat depression, anxiety, and other emotional concerns that can affect well-being later in life.
Incontinence. We evaluate and treat urinary incontinence and related conditions, helping patients regain comfort and confidence.
Polypharmacy and medication management. Taking several medications can sometimes cause new symptoms. Our team reviews every prescription to reduce risks and simplify care.
Fall prevention. We assess fall risk and recommend practical steps, exercises, and home changes to help keep patients safe.
Mobility and functional decline. Through physical and occupational therapy, we help patients maintain strength, balance, and the ability to manage daily activities.
Hearing and balance concerns. Our ear specialists diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance issues that can affect safety and independence.
Chronic disease management. We coordinate ongoing care for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, keeping every part of your health in view.
Care coordination. Your geriatrician works with all of your specialists to create one clear, connected plan tailored to your needs.
Assisted living assessments. When more support is needed, we help families evaluate assisted living, nursing facilities, and other care options with honesty and compassion.
Understanding your well-being screening: what questions doctors ask those over the age of 65 and why
A yearly preventive/wellness visit or Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) with your primary care provider lays the foundation for a lifetime of well-being, even if you are visiting your doctor throughout the year for other reasons.
Patient resources
Frequently Asked Questions
A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in the health and care of older adults. They are board certified in family medicine or internal medicine and complete additional fellowship training in geriatric medicine. This training helps them address the medical, emotional, and social needs that often come with aging.
You may benefit from geriatric care if you are managing several health conditions, taking multiple medications, experiencing memory changes, having trouble with mobility, or finding it harder to complete daily activities on your own. A geriatrician can also help families who are looking for guidance and support.
Most geriatric patients are 75 or older, but age is not the only factor. A person may benefit from elderly care at a younger age if they are forgetful or need help performing everyday tasks.
Primary care focuses on general health for people of all ages. Geriatric medicine focuses specifically on the needs of older adults, including complex medications, functional decline, memory concerns, and care coordination among multiple specialists. Geriatricians also consider social support and living conditions as part of your overall health.
Please bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements, along with your medical records, insurance information, and the names of any specialists you see. If possible, bring a family member or caregiver who can share helpful details and support you during the visit.
Yes. A big part of our work is supporting the people who care for our patients. Our team helps families understand medical conditions, manage day-to-day challenges, and make informed decisions about care and living arrangements.