While ageing naturally makes a person vulnerable to certain ailments, this year the pandemic’s ferocity was felt more by the elderly people than by any age group in the whole world. The virus’ attack on them has made everyone ask the question when, how and where to get care for the elderly.
PSG Hospitals, on International Day of Older Persons (October 1) conveyed that their Department of Geriatrics is functioning with great zeal and offering quality services to the senior citizens persistently.
Dr. Anupama Murthy, Professor and HOD, Respiratory Medicine who is also heading the Geriatric Department with Dr. S. Sujith Kumar, Professor, General medicine at PSG Hospitals conveyed that preventive health care measures for the elderly is important at this point of time.
She highlighted that with the turn of the climate, particularly during the monsoon season, the elderly become vulnerable. Vaccination is important for people at 60 years of age, and it is compulsory for them at the age of 65 because they are at the risk of getting affected with pneumonia and infected by influenza virus that affects the respiration and also get affected by Herpes Zoster infection. An annual vaccination can help the elderly from these diseases.
“They should not be careless with small infections, health or abnormalities. If they have any physical weakness, they should be taken to hospital without delay. Paying importance to oral hygiene is vital. Any infection in the oral region may affect the throat and lung regions too.”, she underlined.
“Healthy food and physical exercises add great value to their quality of life. Apart from physical health, social interaction, spiritual well-being and emotional comfort all should be provided to them. For this, the family’s support must be present.”
She said that as we age, eye problems, hearing issues, hypertension, diabetes, lung related and bone & joint related issues and even cancers are natural threats and it is better to be in contact with Geriatricians after 55.
At PSG Hospitals, exclusive care is given to elderly patients in the most comprehensive way by a dedicated team consisting of Geriatrician, Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Nurse and Counsellor.
Elderly outpatients are triaged early, and sent to a separate waiting room with facility for blood collection, chest X-Ray, ECG and ECHO facility among others. Palliative and Home care services are also offered by PSG Hospitals to prevent patients’ taking much efforts to visit hospitals frequently.