Senior Health Care Services: Find Geriatric Doctors, Home-Visit Physicians, and Care Advocates
If you’re an older adult—or caring for one—you deserve convenient, compassionate care from professionals who understand aging. Use this page to learn your options and connect with the right provider near you.
Why Choose a Geriatric Care Team
Geriatric medicine focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, including multiple chronic conditions, medication safety, mobility, memory, and mental health.
A geriatric care team may include:
Geriatrician (physician specialized in aging)
Geriatric nurse practitioner (GNP)
Social worker or care manager
Nutritionist or dietitian
Physical and occupational therapists
Consultant pharmacist (medication review)
Geropsychiatrist (mental health in older adults)
Good to know: Geriatricians and geropsychiatrists are in short supply in many areas. If you can’t find one nearby, an experienced primary care physician, internal medicine doctor, or nurse practitioner who regularly treats older adults can provide excellent care—often in coordination with specialists.
What If There’s No Geriatrician Near You?
You may be a good candidate if:
Ask primary care offices if they have providers with geriatric experience.
Search for “senior primary care,”“geriatric clinic,” or “aging care team” in your ZIP code.
Use telehealth for follow-ups and medication reviews when travel is difficult.
Consider a home-visit physician (house calls) or mobile clinic if leaving home is hard.
Consult a care advocate to coordinate referrals, insurance, and appointments.
Home-Visit Doctors (House Calls)
For many seniors, traveling to an office is stressful or unsafe. House calls bring care to you.
Who qualifies:
You don’t need to be bedbound. You may qualify if leaving home is a major effort, requires special assistance, or poses safety risks.
Environmental check to catch fall risks, medication issues, and care gaps
Coordinated referrals to therapists or specialists
Insurance:
Many home visits are covered by Medicare Part B and some Medicare Advantage or Medicaid plans. Coverage varies—ask before scheduling.
Health Care Advocates (Care Navigators)
If you prefer expert help, a healthcare advocate can:
Identify local doctors and clinics accepting
Medicare/Medicaid
Verify coverage, copays, and house-call eligibility
Coordinate appointments, transportation, and follow-up
Prepare questions for your visits and organize medical records
Low- or no-cost options:
Your local Area Agency on Aging offers free Medicare counseling and care planning resources.
Hospital social workers and community health workers can help coordinate services.
How to Choose the Right Provider
Experience with older adults: Ask how often they care for seniors and complex conditions.
Medicare/Medicaid acceptance: Confirm before your first visit.
Access and convenience: House calls, telehealth, shorter wait times, and transportation help.
Team approach: Can they coordinate with therapists, pharmacists, and specialists?
Communication style: Clear, patient, and respectful of your goals and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a geriatrician?
A physician trained to care for older adults, especially those with multiple conditions, medications, or age-related syndromes.
Is it true there aren’t many geriatricians?
Yes—geriatric specialists are limited in many regions. If you can’t find one, look for primary care clinicians with strong experience in senior care or a geriatric clinic team.
Will Medicare pay for house calls?
Many medically necessary home visits are covered by Medicare Part B, but coverage depends on your plan and clinical needs. We can help verify your benefits.
Can I keep my current doctor and use a home-visit provider temporarily?
Yes. House-call services can be ongoing or short-term, and they can coordinate with your existing doctors.
What if traveling is hard but I don’t qualify for house calls?
Ask about telehealth, ride services, mobile clinics, or shorter, early-morning visits to reduce fatigue and wait times.
Who can review my medications for safety?
A consultant pharmacist or geriatric clinician can perform a medication review to reduce side effects and interactions.
Important Information
This page provides general information and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Program rules and limits may change. Product availability can vary by state. Consult a HUD‑approved counselor, tax professional, or elder law attorney to understand your options.
