and the pickings were pretty slim. And I live in a bustling cosmopolitan area! With all the boomers, it should be a thriving area of medicine.
2007-08-14 06:57:00 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Sadly, for the times we are living in, this is a specialty that is lagging far behind others. Yes, there are those medical schools that now teach Geriatric Medicine, but the number is still small compared to what is needed and there are reasons for this. In the coming years, with our population aging at the rate that it is, we will see more Geriatric Physicians. Access will, perhaps be easier, but I really wouldn't count on it.
I've gone through what you're going through now and it's not easy to find the right people to properly treat. If you have slim pickings for a Geriatric Physician, choose one. He/She's going to have the training that you will need. If you are not happy with that prospect, try a Family Practice Physician. Actually, they are quite good, and recognize when they cannot help and, usually, will give you a referral to someone that can.
When choosing the type of Physicians for my family elders, I had to take a few things into consideration:
1) Physical State -- and that's because as we age, our bodies change and disability can set in at any time, for a myriad of reasons. It's a perpetual thing.
2)Mental State -- you will already know if there are problems that need to be addressed. If it is one that cannot be handled by the Physician you choose, then a referral can be done.
I, personally, for me, would choose the Family Practice Physician first. I am disabled and this Physician can handle everything I need for pain management and refer for other needs.
You have my thoughts and prayers in your search, it's not an easy one, but I know you want to do your best for your Mom.
What a blessing you are!
2007-08-14 08:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by Cranky 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a senior, I still prefer to use my doctor who has many geriatric patients.
There may be a shortage of geriatric physicians because I am sure they would have to accept Medicare/Medicaid, and doctors out for the money will not do that.
Ask you own physician for a recommendation and you will probably be able to get a better answer without exposing where you live.
You are right, it should be a thriving area of medicine, but most of the elderly cannot afford but a minimum of care unless they have a good insurance program. I live in the USA and understand what you mean.
Family practice physicians are great, I agree with this. They receive four years of medical school and then have to go into a residency program for three years, then they are board certified like any other specialist. They are a specialist, actually; one in family medicine.
I use an internal medicine physician because she is a female and I can talk with her.
2007-08-14 17:28:41 · answer #2 · answered by makeitright 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there are lots of seniors, chances are that the tax structure is advantageous for them. This means there is little money for schools and medical personnel want to move to an area where their kids can get a quality education. I'll get off my soapbox now.
2007-08-14 14:06:33 · answer #3 · answered by Dusie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might actually call around and ask. I had a geriatirc specialist for my mom in NC and he is still practicing and should be in a bed himself. He was one lame doctor and a client list that would reach the length of the state. He had her on masses of meds she did not need--her BP was out of sight and the meds weren't working, put her on osteo med that was almost pure acid and ate her nose up and never any regard for a lack of vitamin D to get her to absorb her meds. Check around, a young up to date doc might be a good choice.
2007-08-14 15:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by lilabner 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?fr=ybr_sbc&p=Geriatric%20Specialists
I found this link at Yahoo Search, you could look and see if any of this information is what you need. Good Luck Daisymae, I hope you find your Mom a Doctor.
Edit: I just received this information through an email from WebMD. It might help, I don't know.
http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/home.aspx?sponsor=core&ecd=wnl_cnf_000607
2007-08-14 14:52:02 · answer #5 · answered by kayboff 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Canada we need doctors
2007-08-14 14:26:25 · answer #6 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe we have an adequate amount within 25 miles.
2007-08-14 14:08:51 · answer #7 · answered by RB 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋