“Should I switch my mother's doctor to a geriatrician?”
My mother is nearing 70 years old, and we still both go to the same doctor. I think she should go to someone who specializes in patients her age, but she doesn't get what the difference would be. Should I try to have her switch doctors?
6 Answers
If she is happy with her doctor and experiencing no issues, and she is alert and oriented I see no need to switch.
Patti Sparling
Family Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes, Wound Care, Womens/Mens Health, Adult and Pediatric Care
If your mother is having difficulty with issues from aging a geriatrician may be a good choice. I do believe, however, may family practitioners are very skilled in taking care of the elderly. Chronic disease and multiple medications make it difficult for elders to maintain health. Where there are vision, hearing, mobility, and cognition problems, elders need more assistance.
It is important to be sure that safety in the home is addressed. Falls are a common occurrence that can change a life! Be sure hazards are removed from the home - such as throw rugs,. Grab bars in the bath tub are a must as well as railings on any stairs or steps.
A plan for declining health needs to be established. End of life choices and financial decisions should be discussed and a plan in place. The plan doesn't become effective until the elder is no longer able to make decisions for themselves.
Good nutrition, hydration and exercise are essential. Taking medications as directed and having routine office visits with your provider are very important. As a provider, I see my elders more often, just to be sure I can detect any changes in health or behavior.
Recognizing depression is also very important. Relationships and support systems change as we age. Elders have likely lost their parents, siblings and sometimes older children. Their "best friends" may be gone as well. Some times we don't realize the loss they feel from losing these relationships. As independence slips away, depression can also become worse. We all need to be comforted and feel that we have a purpose in life.
Love your mother, protect her and enjoy every minute you have with her!
It is important to be sure that safety in the home is addressed. Falls are a common occurrence that can change a life! Be sure hazards are removed from the home - such as throw rugs,. Grab bars in the bath tub are a must as well as railings on any stairs or steps.
A plan for declining health needs to be established. End of life choices and financial decisions should be discussed and a plan in place. The plan doesn't become effective until the elder is no longer able to make decisions for themselves.
Good nutrition, hydration and exercise are essential. Taking medications as directed and having routine office visits with your provider are very important. As a provider, I see my elders more often, just to be sure I can detect any changes in health or behavior.
Recognizing depression is also very important. Relationships and support systems change as we age. Elders have likely lost their parents, siblings and sometimes older children. Their "best friends" may be gone as well. Some times we don't realize the loss they feel from losing these relationships. As independence slips away, depression can also become worse. We all need to be comforted and feel that we have a purpose in life.
Love your mother, protect her and enjoy every minute you have with her!
Geretricians have done advance training in the study of the elderly, and they are an excellent for those in their 70"s and 80's
If your current physician treats elderly patients in his/her practice then I would not change physicians. Address your concerns with your physician.
This is always a tough question to answer. Primary care doctors have adequate training to care for patients of all ages. If your mother is a healthy 70 year old, and has a good relationship with her physician I would probably recommend that she stay with that physician. On the other hand, if she has multiple medical conditions that are becoming difficult to manage, or has signs of impairment of her memory or thinking, it might be reasonable to switch to a geriatrician.
Another option would be to just have a consultation with a geriatrician.
Another option would be to just have a consultation with a geriatrician.
Geriatrician is an Internal Medicine or Family Medicine doctor who has additional training specific to the aging population. If you feel that your current physician does not meet your need then search for another doctor that more closely aligns with what your mother needs at this stage of her life. Osteopathic Physicians are also a nice option as well as they can also specialize in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and addresses care of the patient wholistically. Hope this helps.
