Geriatric & Elder Care
“Geriatric syndrome” is a term that is often used to refer to common health conditions in older adults that do not fit into distinct organ-based disease categories and often have multifactorial causes. The list includes conditions such as cognitive impairment, delirium, incontinence, malnutrition, falls, gait disorders, pressure ulcers, sleep disorders, sensory deficits, fatigue and dizziness. These conditions are common in older adults, and they may have a major impact on quality of life and disability. Geriatric syndromes can best be identified by a geriatric assessment, which is offered at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC.
Cognition
The incidence of dementia increases with age, yet many patients with cognitive impairment remain undiagnosed. The value of making an early diagnosis includes the possibility of uncovering treatable conditions. The evaluation of cognitive function preformed at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC is conducted through a computer based screening that test your memory impairment.
Falls/Imbalance
Patients who have fallen or have a gait or balance problem are at a higher risk or having a subsequent fall and losing independence. At Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC we never want you to feel like you’re losing control. Your primary care physician should regularly ask about recent falls and fall risks. There are effective interventions for people with a history of falls or risk for falling such as physical therapy, assistive devices (walkers, lift chairs) and/or a supervised exercise program, which is something our providers can assist with.
Activities of daily living
An older adult’s functional status can be assessed at 2 levels: activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These are things that the physicians at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC look for in geriatric patients.
IADLs refer to the ability to maintain independent household include:
- Shopping for groceries
- Using transportation
- Using the telephone
- Performing household chores
- Preparing meals
- Doing laundry
- Taking medications
- Handling finances
ADLs refer to self-care tasks which include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Maintaining continence
- Grooming
- Feeding
Treatments available at Tapia Clinic
Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation
We perform a full, detailed assessment of physical health, cognition, mobility, medications, and daily functioning to understand each patient’s needs and risks.
Fall Prevention & Mobility Support
Our team identifies factors that increase fall risk and creates a personalized plan that may include balance assessment, strength recommendations, and referrals when needed.
Cognitive Screening & Management
We use structured tools, including computer-based memory tests, to evaluate cognition and guide early management of memory concerns and age-related cognitive changes.
Evaluation & Treatment of Infections
We assess and treat common infections in older adults—including urinary tract infections—while monitoring for symptoms that may appear differently in seniors.
Incontinence Evaluation & Care
A thorough clinical evaluation helps determine the cause of urinary incontinence so we can recommend treatment options and lifestyle strategies that improve comfort and quality of life.
Mental Health Assessment & Support
We evaluate for depression, anxiety, mood changes, and other mental-health concerns common in older adults, and provide appropriate treatment or referrals when indicated.
Compassionate Care for Every Stage!
We’re always happy to welcome new patients. Our commitment is to provide the best possible care to those we already serve while inviting new patients to experience the same high standard of service.
903-739-7920
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
“Geriatric syndromes” refer to common health issues in older adults that don’t fit neatly into one organ category. Examples include falls, gait disorders, sleep problems, sensory deficits, and fatigue. Recognising these helps us address overall health and quality of life.
At our clinic we offer a geriatric assessment which can include cognition screening (computer-based memory tests), evaluation of mobility/fall risk, and review of functional status (activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living).
Yes. We can evaluate falls or balance/gait issues, assess risk for future falls, and coordinate interventions such as physical therapy, assistive devices, or supervised exercise programs.
We check both “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs), e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming, and “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” (IADLs), e.g., grocery shopping, using transportation, household chores, medication management and finances.
It depends on the individual situation, but regular review is important especially if there are changes in mobility, cognition, falls, or function. Your provider will recommend timing based on your health status and needs.
After the assessment we’ll review results with you (and your caregiver/family as appropriate), identify any risks or concerns (like fall risk or functional decline), and recommend a care plan which may include monitoring, referrals (PT/OT), assistive devices, lifestyle adjustments, and follow-up visits.
This service is designed for older adults and integrates with your overall internal medicine/primary-care plan. It complements regular visits by focusing on age-related functional, cognitive and mobility issues; you’ll continue to see your provider for routine and chronic-condition care as well.