What is a “geriatric” patient?
A geriatric patient is an older person with impaired overall function. There is no set age, but he or she is usually over 75 years old with chronic illness(es), physical impairment, and/or cognitive impairment.
What other problems may geriatric patients have?
Older adults with frailty may have gait abnormalities and recurrent falls; depression; cognitive impairment and/or dementia; behaviors associated with dementia; urinary incontinence; and/or weight loss. They may be prescribed multiple medications and encounter adverse effects from polypharmacy. They may not be making safe decisions for their healthcare, safety or finances. They may be at risk of exploitation, neglect or even abuse.
The Center for Geriatric Medicine, part of the Medicine Institute at Cleveland Clinic, develops programs and services to better care for frail elders.
Dementia care is a significant component of our clinical, teaching, and research efforts.
We have expanded our geriatric medicine staff, and offer multi-specialty clinics and outreach programs at Cleveland Clinic Health System hospitals and Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers throughout Northeast Ohio.
Meet Our Director
Barbara Messinger-Rapport, MD, PhD serves as the Director of the newly formed Center for Geriatric Medicine of the Medicine Institute. She will also serve as the Section Head of Geriatric Medicine for the Dept. of Internal Medicine.
Dr Messinger-Rapport obtained her MD degree at CWRU where she also earned a Ph D in Biomedical Engineering. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center and fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
She has been a member of the professional staff since 1998.
Geriatric Fellowships Available
Interested in a career in geriatrics? Two 12-month geriatric fellowship positions are available each in the Cleveland Clinic Health System, and focus on core competencies in patient care, medical knowledge (including geropharmacology), practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, systems-based practice and professionalism.
News:
Cleveland Clinic Launches System-Wide Geriatric Center
Geriatric problems are multifactorial and patients’ needs generally cannot be addressed by one clinician. The Center for Geriatric Medicine is both a location for care and a center for leadership. Cleveland Clinic’s new Center for Geriatric Medicine has moved into new expanded and renovated space at 10685 Carnegie Avenue on main campus. Our doors opened September 27, 2010.
The Center allows older adults referred for geriatric assessments to be seen by a nurse and physician trained in geriatric problems on site. Consultations with social services and a geriatric pharmacist can be coordinated on an as-needed basis during the same visit. Several additional specialists offer services on a part-time basis
The 11,000 square-foot building is notable for its accessibility, with close-in patient parking in the front and a check-in desk near the outside door. Elders with or without mobility difficulties are accommodated with side hallways, accessible restrooms and large examination rooms that have space for the patient and up to two family members. A quiet consultation room offers privacy for patient and family counseling and education. The first floor includes 12 exam rooms, an on-site laboratory, a Coumadin Clinic and a library.
To schedule an appointment or to refer a patient to the Center for Geriatric Medicine, please call 216.444.8091.
