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Hayka Hovsepyan

Geriatrician | Geriatric Medicine

Dr. Hayka Hovsepyan practices Geriatric Medicine in Mission Hills, CA. Geriatricians prevent, manage, and develop care plans that address the special health problems of the elderly. Dr. Hovsepyan works as part of a team with other healthcare providers, to address the natural aging that goes on within the body and to manage multiple medical problems and ensure social support.
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Hayka Hovsepyan
  • Mission Hills, CA
  • Accepting new patients

How do I cope with not seeing my mother in the nursing home?

Such a hard to answer question (emotionally). It breaks my heart to see that elderly patients are not able to socialize with their loved ones. I would suggest to use face time READ MORE
Such a hard to answer question (emotionally). It breaks my heart to see that elderly patients are not able to socialize with their loved ones. I would suggest to use face time - of course, if they are able to use technology - and do it daily. If not, ask the staff if they can help her with face time. As far as their health concerns, you can always call the nurse in charge and ask about your mom's health.
Hope I have answered your question.

Thanks,

HH

When do you say goodbye to someone in geriatric care?

Not sure what you mean by goodbye - to the person? Like when you have a visit with them and you are about to leave? Unless your grandma has advanced dementia, and even then, treat READ MORE
Not sure what you mean by goodbye - to the person? Like when you have a visit with them and you are about to leave? Unless your grandma has advanced dementia, and even then, treat her like you would treat anyone else when saying goodbye :) with love and dignity.

Thanks,

HH

Can a psychologist help with geriatric anxiety?

Thanks for your question. There is no such thing as geriatric anxiety - it is anxiety (of course, need to rule out depression also; they almost always coexist). Yes, a psychologist READ MORE
Thanks for your question.
There is no such thing as geriatric anxiety - it is anxiety (of course, need to rule out depression also; they almost always coexist). Yes, a psychologist can asses you, and if you need a psychiatrist or a geriatrician, they can refer you to a specialist.

Thanks,

HH

How to manage health problems without asking for help?

Thanks for your question, How do you know you are a burden for your family? Most health problems are manageable on your own, unless you have impaired gait, impaired balance, READ MORE
Thanks for your question,

How do you know you are a burden for your family? Most health problems are manageable on your own, unless you have impaired gait, impaired balance, or impaired memory (unable to make your own decisions). Very long question to answer, but let's go back to the question I have asked - is this the burden that bothers you, or the loss of your independence? Most families that I deal with do not find it burdensome to take care of a loved one.

Thanks,

HH

Can bipolar disorder continue into the elderly years?

Yes, the type of the depression will not change just because you turn 65. He needs to follow up with psychiatrist.

Thanks,

HH

Is hospice care best for an adult with advanced Alzheimer's?

Yes. Advanced Alzheimer's - when patients have no control on their bodily functions anymore - ex. bladder and bowel movement, impaired gait, impaired balance, and are totally ADL READ MORE
Yes. Advanced Alzheimer's - when patients have no control on their bodily functions anymore - ex. bladder and bowel movement, impaired gait, impaired balance, and are totally ADL (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) dependent are best managed by hospice.

Thanks,

HH

Do people with dementia get geriatric depression?

Not all dementia patients are depressed, but yes, they should be screened for depression. Of course, in more advanced dementia, it is hard to screen the patient, but proper evaluation READ MORE
Not all dementia patients are depressed, but yes, they should be screened for depression. Of course, in more advanced dementia, it is hard to screen the patient, but proper evaluation and proper family feedback helps.

Thanks,

HH

Does forgetfulness in seniors mean dementia?

Forgetfulness can be a sign of dementia, or can be a sign of anxiety or stress. Memory testing and geriatric evaluation will make the diagnosis.

Thanks,

HH

How to treat generalized anxiety disorder in senior citizens?

Thanks for your question. Same way as anxiety should be treated in 25 year old (of course the older you are the more meticulous should be the medication choice because of side READ MORE
Thanks for your question.
Same way as anxiety should be treated in 25 year old (of course the older you are the more meticulous should be the medication choice because of side effects).
Thanks
HH

Are hospice patients still being treated during covid-19?

Short answer - yes. Still same precautions and, unfortunately, no visitors :(

Thanks,

HH

Is dementia inherited from the mother or father?

Thanks for your question. Can be inherited from both parents but there is an increased chance with female relatives and even higher chance from female to female inheritance. Thanks HH READ MORE
Thanks for your question.
Can be inherited from both parents but there is an increased chance with female relatives and even higher chance from female to female inheritance.
Thanks
HH