What is comprehensive geriatric medicine

As people age, their health needs become more complex. Many seniors in Joliet, New Lenox, and the greater Chicago area live with several chronic conditions, take multiple medications, and rely on support from family or caregivers. A quick visit focused on a single problem often is not enough.

Comprehensive geriatric medicine is a type of care designed specifically for older adults. It looks at the whole person, not only one disease. It brings together medical treatment, safety, function, and what matters most to the patient.

A geriatrician like Dr. Mouhannad Kantar has special training in caring for seniors. His role is to help patients stay as healthy, safe, and independent as possible while respecting their goals and preferences.

How geriatric care is different from regular primary care

Many primary care doctors care for both younger and older patients. They do important work, but they may have limited time to address the special issues that come with aging.

Geriatric medicine focuses on questions such as:

• How do multiple conditions interact in this older adult

• Are any medications doing more harm than good

• What is this patient’s risk of falls, confusion, or loss of independence

• What are this patient’s values and wishes for the future

Instead of asking only “What disease is this” a geriatrician also asks “How is this disease affecting this person’s life and function.”

The unique needs of older adults

Older adults often have different needs than younger patients, including:

• Higher risk of falls and fractures

• More sensitivity to medication side effects

• Changes in memory, mood, or thinking

• Slower recovery after illness or surgery

• Greater importance of independence and quality of life

Comprehensive geriatric care takes all of this into account and adapts the care plan to the person’s stage of life.

Who can benefit from seeing a geriatrician

Not every senior needs a geriatrician, but many can benefit, especially when health starts to feel complicated.

Seniors with multiple chronic conditions

Older adults who have several chronic conditions often see many specialists and take many medications. This can be confusing and sometimes risky.

A geriatrician can help:

• Coordinate care among different specialists

• Review whether all medications are still needed

• Adjust treatment goals to match age and overall health

• Watch for drug interactions and side effects

For example, a patient in Joliet or New Lenox with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems may need a careful balance between treatments.

Patients with memory, mood, or mobility changes

Seniors who are experiencing:

• Memory loss or confusion

• Depression, anxiety, or withdrawal

• Falls, balance problems, or weakness

often need more than a quick visit. These issues can greatly affect safety and independence. A geriatrician can assess these changes and create a plan that includes medical, functional, and emotional support.

Families who need help coordinating care

Adult children and spouses often find themselves managing medications, appointments, and day to day care. They may feel overwhelmed.

Comprehensive geriatric care offers:

• Clear explanations in everyday language

• A central doctor who looks at the whole picture

• Support for making complex decisions about treatment and future planning

This approach can reduce stress for families in Joliet, New Lenox, and the surrounding areas.

How Dr. Kantar approaches comprehensive geriatric care

Board certification in geriatric medicine and family medicine

Dr. Mouhannad Kantar is board certified in both Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine, and he is completing training in Anti Aging Medicine. This combination means he can act as both a primary care doctor and a geriatric specialist for his patients.

He understands the full range of issues that affect older adults, from chronic disease to dementia, from sleep apnea to preventive care.

Looking at the whole person, not just one disease

In comprehensive geriatric medicine, the focus is not only on test results. It is also on:

• How the patient feels day to day

• What they can do on their own

• What they want for their future

For example, two patients with the same heart condition might need different plans. One may want aggressive treatment to stay active in sports. Another may prefer a simpler plan that avoids side effects and focuses on comfort and time with family.

Dr. Kantar works with each patient to understand their priorities and shape the care plan around them.

Working closely with family and caregivers

With the patient’s permission, family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate in visits. They can:

• Share what they see at home

• Help organize medications and appointments

• Ask questions and clarify instructions

This team approach improves communication and helps everyone move in the same direction.

What to expect during a geriatric visit

Reviewing medical history, medications, and goals

During a comprehensive geriatric visit, you can expect:

• A review of your medical history and past hospitalizations

• A complete medication review, including over the counter drugs and supplements

• Questions about your daily routine, appetite, sleep, and energy

• A discussion of what is most important to you, such as staying at home, avoiding hospital stays, or staying active

This information helps Dr. Kantar identify risks and opportunities to improve your plan.

Assessing memory, mood, and function

Geriatric care often includes simple checks for:

• Memory and thinking

• Mood, including signs of depression or anxiety

• Ability to manage daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and driving

These areas can change with age, even when lab tests look normal. Understanding them helps prevent crises and supports independence.

Creating a personalized care plan

At the end of the visit, you and Dr. Kantar work together on a personalized plan. It may include:

• Changes to medications

• Referrals for therapy, imaging, or lab tests

• Plans for follow up visits

• Safety recommendations for home and driving

• Support resources for family and caregivers

The plan is reviewed regularly and adjusted as your needs change.

Key areas included in comprehensive geriatric medicine

Chronic disease management

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, and thyroid disorders are common in seniors. Comprehensive geriatric care brings these conditions together into one plan.

Dr. Kantar helps:

• Set realistic targets for blood pressure and blood sugar

• Avoid overtreatment that may cause side effects in older adults

• Monitor lab work and symptoms over time

This approach supports steady, safe control rather than frequent crises.

Dementia and memory care

Memory changes and dementia require sensitive evaluation and long term planning.

Comprehensive geriatric care includes:

• Early evaluation for memory concerns

• Identifying treatable causes that may worsen thinking

• Helping families understand the diagnosis and next steps

• Planning for safety, driving, and home support

This is closely linked to Dementia and Memory Care services on your site.

Geriatric syndromes such as falls and incontinence

Geriatric syndromes like falls, frailty, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson related issues can greatly affect daily life.

Within comprehensive geriatric medicine, Dr. Kantar:

• Screens for fall risk and balance problems

• Reviews medications that may contribute to falls or confusion

• Addresses urinary incontinence with empathy and practical strategies

• Coordinates with physical or occupational therapy when needed

These efforts help seniors stay safer and more confident at home.

Preventive care and Medicare wellness exams

Prevention does not stop at age 65. Comprehensive geriatric care includes:

• Medicare wellness exams

• Vaccines such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles when appropriate

• Cancer screenings based on age, health, and personal preferences

• Screening for depression, fall risk, and functional decline

The goal is to catch problems early and maintain health as long as possible.

Telehealth and follow up after hospital stays

Telehealth and strong post discharge follow up are key parts of comprehensive care, especially for seniors in Joliet and New Lenox who have difficulty traveling.

Telehealth visits may be used to:

• Review lab results

• Adjust medications

• Check in after a hospitalization

• Answer questions from patients and families

Post hospital visits help reduce the risk of confusion, medication errors, and readmission.

How comprehensive geriatric care supports independence

Reducing hospital visits and emergencies

By focusing on early warning signs and regular follow up, comprehensive geriatric care may help lower the risk of:

• Emergency room visits

• Unplanned hospital admissions

• Complications from unmanaged chronic conditions

Even when emergencies do occur, having a geriatrician who knows the patient well can ease transitions back home.

Planning for safety at home and in the community

Staying independent does not only depend on medical treatment. It also depends on the environment.

As part of comprehensive care, Dr. Kantar may:

• Discuss home safety features

• Talk about driving and transportation options

• Suggest community resources such as home health, adult day programs, or caregiver support

These steps help seniors in Joliet, New Lenox, and Chicago live where they feel most comfortable for as long as safely possible.

Related services and internal link suggestions

On your website, this article on comprehensive geriatric medicine can connect to several service pages:

• Link comprehensive geriatric medicine and primary care for seniors to your Comprehensive Geriatric Medicine service page.

• Link chronic disease management to your Chronic Disease Management page.

• Link dementia and memory care to your Dementia and Memory Care page.

• Link falls, frailty, and urinary incontinence to your Geriatric Syndromes page.

• Link telehealth and virtual visits to your Telehealth and Virtual Visits page.

• Link Medicare wellness exams and preventive care to your Preventive Care and Medicare Wellness Examspage.

These internal links guide patients to the right information and help search engines understand how your services are related.

Schedule comprehensive geriatric care with Dr. Kantar

Aging brings changes, but it does not mean giving up control. With the right support, many seniors can continue to live meaningful, connected lives even with complex health needs.

If you or a loved one is an older adult in Joliet, New Lenox, or the greater Chicago area, consider scheduling a comprehensive geriatric visit with Dr. Mouhannad Kantar, a board certified geriatrician and family physician.

This article is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your own physician.

To learn more about comprehensive geriatric medicine or to request an appointment, contact Dr. Kantar’s offices in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois. You and your family do not have to navigate these decisions alone.