Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
T
tarajane Posted November 2015

My husband and I are moving next month.

We finally bought a house and I have been on here a lot discussing issues. My husband had mild. Dementia. His doctor here said they would find another office for us but my problem is how do I find a really good, reputable doctor for the both of us ? If we can find a GP then he or she can refer us to a cardiologist and nephrologist when we get established with him or her. We are moving to Florida and I know there are some doctors that would be excellent and others................not so much. How would I find a good GP for the two of us ? Thanks

jeannegibbs Nov 2015
Tarajane, the Mayo Clinic has a Memory Disorder facility in Florida. Look it up. Even if it is a significant drive for you, it could be very worthwhile. Most likely you would make the trip annually, for two days. You could contact them by email or phone between times. They will gladly work with your local geriatrician/PCP.

They are researchers as well as clinicians, and much of their income comes from research grants, so they can take the needed time with each patient. They also work closely with the "care partners" (usually spouse). This is one of the finest dementia facilities in the US. It would be a shame to be in Florida and not to at least check them out.

(My husband's brain tissue resides in their memory bank.)

freqflyer Nov 2015
Wow, that is good as it seems like only yesterday you were worried about driving from Kentucky all the way down to Florida to do some house hunting. Are you still in Florida wrapping up the contract and all the inspections?

ADVERTISEMENT


tarajane Nov 2015
We had a wonderful time. Even not knowing he had Dementia this last time. We squabbled a little about some things but now I KNOW how to handle situations. Diversion, pick my battles, if he says the sun is setting when it is rising I will say How beautiful, how about going for a cup of coffee. Also the time I was worried really was when we would stop at rest stops and I would watch him shuffle and hunch over walking to the rest room. I was so afraid he would fall. He didn't though. Now he doesn't shuffle and he walks a little straighter. It will all be good I will have God as my co-pilot and he has always gotten us down there safely. Thank you for your concern. It means a lot to me.

freqflyer Nov 2015
tarajane, how did your trip down to Florida go while you did your house hunting. Was wondering how hubby did on that trip.

tarajane Nov 2015
Dr. Masley is in Tampa and that is pretty far to go for check ups. It would be an hour drive. I think he is the greatest if he could only have another office in CR. Thank you

JB0928 Nov 2015
All good suggestions here. Healthgrades was mentioned above, but also check vitals website and ucomparehealthcare website for patient ratings. Depending on what part of Florida you're going to there's a well known excellent cardiologist, Steven Masley MD. You can google his name and check his website. Even if not close, it may be worth a call to his office as they might offer other suggestions or networks for all of the doctors you'll need. All the best, pray it goes well for you as it's been a rough time.

gladimhere Nov 2015
Tara, Thanksgiving is coming, many docs in my area are gone that week and have significant staff reductions as well.

There is not alot of time.

tarajane Nov 2015
Yes, I will get referrals when he goes. It is the first of Dec. Plenty of time to ask all the docs and gather medical records. Thanks

jeannegibbs Nov 2015
tarajane, your husband probably needs a geriatrician as his PCP, not a GP. And of course he needs specialists as well. I assume you are referrals from his current specialists -- ?

tarajane Nov 2015
My husband HAS miId Dementia, not HAD....

gladimhere Nov 2015
Check out the website healthgrades. All types of docs listed with ratings.

blannie Nov 2015
When my parents moved near me, I took the list of doctors in their network to my local hospital. I went to the nursing station on the general medical floor and asked the nurses for their opinions about which docs were good with seniors. At first, they were hesitant, but once one started talking to me, I had them around me telling me the best docs and which ones to avoid. I trust nurses' opinions, because they work with the docs daily and see which ones are good at diagnostics and follow-up. It worked for me and I found an excellent doc for my folks. That was 13 years ago.

Today, I'd also google them and check out their ratings on various ratings sites for doctors. Good luck with your move!

MaggieMarshall Nov 2015
If you know people in the area to which you're moving, ask them. Next best bet might be to call the hospital to which you would be taken if you called 911 from your home and ask for the names of primary care docs who specialize in geriatric medicine. Then do some checking on line with those names. Check Yelp. It's not unusual for docs to be rated there.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter