Mercyone Geriatrics Care

Geriatric Internal Medicine

Mercyone Geriatrics Care is a Geriatric Internal Medicine practice in Des Moines, IA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in promoting wellness and providing health care for senior patients. Geriatric Internal Medicine Doctors at Mercyone Geriatrics Care perform comprehensive interdisciplinary care for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of both healthy and frail senior patients. Geriatric Internal Medicine is a medical specialty that enables patients to manage natural aging life stages by preventing and treating age-related conditions, and preserving patients' independence and quality of life. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Geriatric Internal Medicine practices include nutrition deficiencies, hormone imbalances, psychological issues, medication side effects, incontinence, heart disease, epilepsy, osteoporosis, fall injuries, frailty, strokes, Alzheimer's Disease, and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Geriatric Internal Medicine practices include standard preventative wellness screenings and treatments, nutrition counseling, psychological counseling, lifestyle interventions, post-fall rehabilitation, living accomodation transition, and nursing home care.

An internist who has special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly. This specialist cares for geriatric patients in the patient's home, the office, long-term care settings such as nursing homes and the hospital.

Hospice and Palliative Internal Medicine

An internal medicine physician with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family throughout the course of the disease, through the dying process, and beyond for the family. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse venues; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care.