Choosing the right healthcare provider becomes increasingly crucial as we age. Specialized care tailored to the unique health needs of seniors is paramount, and that’s where Geriatric Medicine Doctors excel. At UCLA Health, our Division of Geriatrics stands as a national leader, dedicated to providing exceptional and comprehensive care for geriatric patients. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 4 in the nation for geriatric care, UCLA Health offers unparalleled expertise and a patient-centered approach to ensure the well-being of older adults.
Why Choose UCLA Health Geriatric Medicine Doctors?
UCLA Health’s geriatric medicine program is distinguished by several key features designed to optimize the health and quality of life for seniors:
Comprehensive and Holistic Geriatric Care
Our geriatric medicine doctors understand that aging involves more than just physical health. We adopt a comprehensive, holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of medical, psychological, and social factors in your overall well-being. By addressing the whole person, we develop tailored care plans that promote independence and vitality. Furthermore, UCLA Health partners with community-based organizations to connect you with essential in-home services and wellness programs, ensuring a complete circle of support.
Increased Access to Specialized Geriatric Care
Accessibility to quality care is a priority at UCLA Health. Our geriatric medicine services are available across a network of inpatient and outpatient locations, including core sites offering community-based programs, nursing home care, and home healthcare. This extensive network ensures that all patients can easily access the specific level and type of geriatric care they require, when and where they need it most.
Leading Research and Innovation in Geriatric Medicine
UCLA Health is committed to advancing the field of geriatric medicine through rigorous research. Our clinicians are actively involved in studying innovative ways to improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and optimize healthcare services for older adults. This dedication to research not only benefits our patients directly through the latest advancements but also extends to training other physicians in best practices for geriatric care, shaping the future of elderly healthcare.
Our Comprehensive Geriatric Care Services
Through our Division of Geriatrics, UCLA Health provides a wide spectrum of specialized services and programs to meet the diverse needs of our senior patients:
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program
Since 2011, our renowned Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program has provided compassionate and coordinated care to over 3,000 patients and their families. We collaborate closely with community partners to deliver patient-centered care focused on maximizing function, preserving dignity, and minimizing caregiver stress and unnecessary costs associated with dementia care.
Inpatient Geriatric Care Excellence
At UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, we feature a dedicated inpatient unit staffed by professionals specially trained in geriatric medicine. Our multidisciplinary team includes pharmacists, dietitians, therapists (occupational and physical), social workers, and spiritual care providers, offering comprehensive support during hospital stays. Dedicated case managers facilitate seamless transitions of care by assisting with both short-term and long-term care planning.
Outpatient Geriatric Medicine Doctors
Our four outpatient locations are staffed by expert geriatric medicine doctors specializing in the unique health challenges of aging populations. We serve as primary care providers for older adults, managing preventive care and addressing urgent health concerns. For patients who already have a primary care physician, our geriatric specialists offer invaluable consultations and expert advice on complex geriatric conditions.
Medical Home Visit Program
For residents of West Los Angeles and Santa Monica with complex health needs and difficulty attending clinic visits, our Medical Home Visit Program brings high-quality primary geriatric care directly to their homes. This program ensures that even homebound patients receive the necessary medical attention in a comfortable and familiar setting.
Geriatric Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities
UCLA Health extends its geriatric expertise to skilled nursing facilities, providing exceptional care for short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization or for ongoing long-term care needs. Our goal is to deliver accessible, high-quality care to support patients through both short and extended stays in skilled nursing environments.
Conditions Treated by Geriatric Medicine Doctors at UCLA Health
Our geriatric medicine doctors are highly skilled in managing a wide range of conditions common in older adults, offering both specialized treatments and comprehensive primary care:
- Arthritis: Managing chronic joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
- Dementia: Diagnosis and care for various forms of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diabetes: Expert management of diabetes and related complications in older adults.
- Dysphagia: Addressing swallowing difficulties often associated with aging or other medical conditions.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Managing and controlling hypertension to prevent cardiovascular complications.
- Osteoporosis: Diagnosis and treatment to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Care for this nervous system disorder affecting movement and balance.
Meet Our Expert Geriatric Medicine Doctors
Our team of geriatric medicine doctors are recognized experts in caring for older patients. We specialize in managing both routine and complex health issues prevalent in the senior population. UCLA Health geriatricians are committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, actively participating in the latest research and implementing the most advanced practices in geriatric medicine to benefit our patients.
Contact UCLA Health Geriatric Medicine Doctors
To schedule an appointment with a geriatric medicine specialist at UCLA Health, please call 800-UCLA-MD1 or 310-825-2631. We are here to provide you or your loved one with the highest quality geriatric care.
