Geriatric psychiatry is a subfield of psychiatry that focuses on the mental health needs of elderly patients. As people age, they face a variety of newfound problems, and this often takes a toll on their mental health. In addition, chronic illnesses can have a negative effect on mental processes and emotional processing. With the help of a geriatric psychiatrist, older people can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives as they go through the aging process.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has gone through additional training to provide more advanced medical and diagnostic care to patients with all different kinds of illnesses. These medical professionals generally hold at least a master’s degree, so they have a comprehensive basis of medical knowledge to help patients suffering from chronic and acute conditions. They may work in hospitals, intensive care units, hospice centers, and even doctor’s offices, depending on their specialty.