A geriatrician is a medical doctor with additional training and experience in preventing, assessing and treating medical conditions and disabilities in older people.

The most widespread condition affecting seniors is coronary heart disease, followed by stroke, cancer, pneumonia and the flu. Accidents, especially falls that result in hip fractures, are also unfortunately common in the elderly.

Many family caregivers and elder care professionals strongly recommend adding a geriatrician to an aging loved one’s care team. Geriatric physicians specialize in treating older patients, but how exactly do they fit into a senior’s current care plan?