Post by troyhather on Jul 19, 2017 5:47:38 GMT 10
Scout out a geriatric M.D.
Sometimes a family physician won’t have the expertise needed to diagnose or treat an aging person’s tricky health problems.
“Both of my parents struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for over a year before they were even diagnosed,” says Jacqueline Marcell, 58, author of "Elder Rage." “By the time they got help, my dad had became violent toward me, and my mom had almost died due to his inability to care for her. It was a nightmare.”
If you think a specialist’s care could improve your loved one’s life, ask for a referral to a geriatric physician. “All of their training and focus is on the elderly, so they’ll pick up on subtle things that a general physician might miss,” says geriatric physician Dr. Linda Rhodes, author of "The Essential Guide to Caring for Aging Parents." “They also understand how medications work differently in aging bodies and can make sure your loved one gets safe, effective prescriptions.”
Sometimes a family physician won’t have the expertise needed to diagnose or treat an aging person’s tricky health problems.
“Both of my parents struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for over a year before they were even diagnosed,” says Jacqueline Marcell, 58, author of "Elder Rage." “By the time they got help, my dad had became violent toward me, and my mom had almost died due to his inability to care for her. It was a nightmare.”
If you think a specialist’s care could improve your loved one’s life, ask for a referral to a geriatric physician. “All of their training and focus is on the elderly, so they’ll pick up on subtle things that a general physician might miss,” says geriatric physician Dr. Linda Rhodes, author of "The Essential Guide to Caring for Aging Parents." “They also understand how medications work differently in aging bodies and can make sure your loved one gets safe, effective prescriptions.”
