The Concern for the Elderly in Geriatric Care

The Concern for the Elderly in Geriatric Care

 The New York Times article, "Needed: Health Professionals to Treat the Aging,” discusses the subject of geriatric medicine, along with the need for more nurses and doctors specializing in geriatric care. Author Elizabeth Olson converses about the lack of readily available health care for the elderly, especially those who are largely home-bound.

The truth is there are not many incentives for doctors and nurses to specialize in geriatric care. Olson states that "the average geriatric specialist made $183,523 in 2010 — less than half that year’s $392,885 median for dermatologists, according to the Physician Compensation and Production Survey. (Olson, 2012)

The most rewarding aspect of this specialization is not monetary at all; the reward comes from the knowledge that you are helping someone who might otherwise not receive care at all. This article is presented in an unbiased and professional manner, and might help provide insight to someone beginning in the nursing field, or even a veteran nurse, who might not be aware of the lack of quality care professionals for the elderly. 

References:

Olson, E. (2012, March 7). Needed: Health Professionals to Treat the Aging. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/business/retirementspecial/needed-health-providers-to-treat-the-aging.html?_r=1&ref=nursingandnurses