The state of Gujarat in India is experiencing a trend of increasing life expectancy and a growing elderly population. According to the Census of India 2011, the elderly population (aged 60 years and above) in Gujarat was 8.58 million, which accounted for 8.5% of the state's total population. This proportion is expected to rise to 14% by 2026, with a projected elderly population of 14.86 million. 

The increase in life expectancy and the growing elderly population in Gujarat pose several challenges for the state's healthcare system. With the majority of the young population moving away in search of better job opportunities, the burden of caring for the elderly falls on a decreasing number of caregivers. This can lead to a situation where the elderly are left without adequate support and care, particularly those who are disabled or frail. 

To address this issue, it is crucial to provide comprehensive and holistic geriatric care that not only includes routine medical care but also social, psychological, and functional interventions. The preventive aspect of geriatric care is also vital in keeping the elderly healthy at home and reducing the need for hospitalization. 

Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan, Ahmedabad is one healthcare provider that is addressing this need by offering specialized geriatric care services. The hospital has a team of healthcare professionals trained in geriatric care, including geriatricians, gerontological nurses, medical social workers, gerontological physiotherapists, and nutritionists. This multidisciplinary team works together to provide customized care to elderly patients, taking into account their medical, social, and environmental issues. 

In Gujarat, there is a need for more such specialized geriatric care facilities to meet the growing demand for comprehensive care for the elderly. With the right interventions and support, elderly individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives, and continue to contribute to society. 

Services we offer.  

• Comprehensive geriatric assessment: This involves a thorough evaluation of an older adult's medical, functional, social, and psychological status. The assessment helps identify health problems, functional impairments, and social and psychological needs. 
• Medication management: Geriatricians are trained to manage medications in older adults who often have multiple health conditions and take multiple medications. They can evaluate the risks and benefits of each medication and adjust doses as needed. 
• Chronic disease management: Many older adults have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Geriatricians are trained to manage these conditions in older adults, often taking into consideration their unique needs and potential interactions with other health conditions. 
• Rehabilitation: Older adults may require rehabilitation services following an illness or injury. Geriatricians can provide or coordinate rehabilitation services to help older adults regain function and independence. 
• Memory evaluation: Geriatricians can evaluate memory and cognitive function in older adults, often using specialized tests. They can diagnose and treat conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 
• Palliative care: Geriatricians can provide palliative care to older adults with serious or life-limiting illnesses. The focus of palliative care is on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. 
• End-of-life care: Geriatricians can provide care to older adults at the end of life, including pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support for the patient and family. 

Services/ Procedures  

Elderly First Program 

Geriatric vaccinations 

Geriatric vaccination refers to the administration of vaccines to the elderly population to protect them against infectious diseases. As people age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to various diseases. Vaccines help boost the immune system, preventing the elderly from contracting serious illnesses.