Joyce, when my husband developed dementia in his 70s his primary care doctor was worse than useless. We switched to a geriatrician with an excellent reputation. Oh my, was she good!! I think that single move had a big impact on the quality of his life. She was willing to let his neurologist lead his dementia care and she was very knowledgeable about drug interactions and his condition. Awesome!
When my mother started needing more care I took her to the same geriatrician. I attended all appointment with my mother and with my husband, so I saw this woman at work. The training and the knowledge is important, but the basic attitude toward the elderly is probably most helpful.
I am now seventy myself. Probably not for a few years ... but I do intend to switch my pcp to a geriatric specialist as I age.
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When my mother started needing more care I took her to the same geriatrician. I attended all appointment with my mother and with my husband, so I saw this woman at work. The training and the knowledge is important, but the basic attitude toward the elderly is probably most helpful.
I am now seventy myself. Probably not for a few years ... but I do intend to switch my pcp to a geriatric specialist as I age.