How to find a doctor who cares for your aging needs

Aging Health

As we age, our health needs change. We may face new challenges such as chronic diseases, cognitive decline, or functional impairment. That’s why it is important to find a primary care physician (PCP) who specializes in geriatric medicine for seniors. A geriatrician is a PCP who has additional training and experience in treating older adults. A geriatrician can provide integrative care, diagnose a variety of conditions, and help you maintain a high quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of having a geriatrician as your PCP, such as:

1. How a geriatrician can help you manage multiple medications and avoid drug side effects.
2. How a geriatrician can prioritize your health goals and preferences.
3. How a geriatrician can coordinate your care with other specialists and caregivers.
4. How a geriatrician can address the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of aging.
5. Coordinating your care with other health care providers.

If you are interested in finding a geriatrician near you, you can use this online directory to search for geriatric medicine doctors by location, rating, and insurance. Read on to learn more about why a geriatrician can be your best ally for healthy aging.

How to Find a Geriatrician Near You

While some areas face a shortage of geriatric medicine doctors, finding one for whom you feel comfortable can be difficult. But there are some processes that you can follow to make it less time consuming and get the correct center based on your requirements. Below is how to locate a geriatrician in your area:

• Talk to friends, neighbors, or relatives who see a geriatrician they are happy with. Of course, word of mouth is invaluable by giving clues to the physician’s manner and communication style in how other patients saw witness him or her provide care. You could also ask them about the geriatrician’s hours of availability, where their office is located and what they charge per visit.
• Ask other health professionals you know, including your previous provider or your local pharmacist. They might know of some geriatricians in your neck of the woods, or at least have connections to folks who do. Additionally, they can guide you on what to consider when searching for a geriatrician (geographic location or living proximity of the doctor’s office among other characteristics).
• If you have a specific medical condition, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, consult an advocacy group. Some groups that provide resources and information for people with diseases or disabilities may have lists of specialized geriatricians around the country. Organizations, such as the Parkinson’s Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association provide online tools to help you find a geriatrician who is knowledgeable about your disease and its treatment.
• Use online resources, such as Healthgrades or AARP Find A Doctor, to find qualified and top-rated geriatricians near you. Search by location, rating and insurance Plan ahead using sites like these to find geriatric medicine doctors. You can read reviews from other patients, see the geriatrician’s profile and contact information, and book your appointment online. Other options to explore online include [US News Doctors] and [HealthInAging.org].

A physician who specializes in the healthcare of older adults, who is known as a geriatrician can have an important impact on your health and well-being. With these tips, you will be able to find a simple way that will allow you to get an experienced geriatrician in your area so that they can give you the best care services.

What to Look for in a Geriatrician

A geriatrician is not just a physician who cares for older adults, but a health care partner who knows what it takes to age well and then helps get you there. But how do you locate a geriatrician who cares given your aging needs? The following are few attributes and abilities which locate a perfect geriatrician:

• Board certification in geriatric medicine or related fields. There are courses and training for board certification in geriatric medicine or any other related field. In other words, the geriatrician has undergone a formal education process along with further training to earn more certificates as well as passing detailed examinations in geriatrics medicine. Board certification also gives assurance that the geriatrician intends to remain abreast of contemporary research and practice in the area. Verification of the geriatrician applicability board certification is available over the [American Board of Medical Specialties] system.
• Experience and expertise in treating older adults with complex and chronic conditions. Lots of elderly people have several conditions which must be managed and coordinated rather appropriately. A geriatrician has the expertise and knowledge of managing effort as well as rehabilitation of almost all the disorders which are commonly found in old, aged people like dementia, arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, osteoporosis, high cholesterol and many others. A geriatrician can also prescribe medications that can aid in the treatment or prevention of these diseases.
• Compassion and empathy for the physical and emotional needs of seniors. There can be different things that come with old age even if we might be used to it like psychological and physical changes. One can relate to how a geriatrician would understand your position and be able to help you with especially about the emotions you might require guidance on dealing with. Even on the emotional wellness of patients, geriatrics can be useful when it comes to aging problems like depression, anxiety, loneliness and even grief losses.
• Communication and collaboration with other health care providers and caregivers. The primary care physician for the elderly is a doctor, defender and organizer. A geriatrician can interact with other medical staff and health providers receiving your treatment such as heart specialists, brain specialists, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapy specialists, etc. A geriatrician can see you together with your family and caregivers as they are also critical to your recovery. A geriatrician can facilitate decision making and preparation for the future for the patient and family members.
• Availability and accessibility for appointments and follow-ups. Assessing, and the practice of appropriate allocation of time towards carrying appointments, or follow-ups. A geriatrician ought to be quite within reach of and understanding your requirements. A feasible office and reasonable office hours and the doctor’s fees. A geriatrician ought to include some telehealth in their services including making phone calls or face to face discussions through the use of a computer to patients unable to go to the doctor’s office. A geriatrician also must keep in touch with the patient and ensure that diagnosis, treatment evaluation and outcomes have been managed.

How to Choose a Geriatrician Who Cares for Your Aging Needs

Once you have found some potential geriatricians near you, you may want to schedule a consultation with them to see how pleasant or unattractive they can be. Firstly, here are certain things to ask a possible geriatrician like:

• How do you approach the care of older adults? This question can help you understand the geriatrician’s philosophy and style of care. You may want to look for a geriatrician who takes a holistic and patient-centered approach, meaning that they consider your physical, mental, emotional, and social needs and preferences. You may also want to look for a geriatrician who practices evidence-based medicine, meaning that they use the best available scientific data to guide their decisions and recommendations.
• What are your areas of interest or specialization in geriatric medicine? This question can help you determine the geriatrician’s expertise and experience in treating older adults. You may want to look for a geriatrician who has a special interest or training in the specific conditions or issues that affect you or that you are concerned about. For example, if you have diabetes, you may want to look for a geriatrician who has a focus on diabetes management and complications. If you have memory problems, you may want to look for a geriatrician who has a focus on cognitive disorders and dementia.
• How do you coordinate care with other specialists and health care providers? This question can help you assess the geriatrician’s communication and collaboration skills. You may want to look for a geriatrician who works well with other healthcare professionals and who can act as your primary point of contact and your advocate. You may also want to look for a geriatrician who has a network of trusted and qualified specialists and health care providers who can provide you with the best care possible.
• How do you involve the patient and the family in the decision-making process? This question can help you evaluate the geriatrician’s respect and regard for your autonomy and dignity. You may want to look for a geriatrician who listens to your concerns and preferences and who values your input and feedback. You may also want to look for a geriatrician who respects your family’s role and involvement in your care and who can facilitate a productive and supportive relationship between you and your loved ones.
• How do you address the social and environmental factors that affect the health and well-being of seniors? This question can help you gauge the geriatrician’s awareness and sensitivity to the broader context of your life. You may want to look for a geriatrician who recognizes the impact of your living situation, your social support, your financial resources, and your cultural background on your health and well-being. You may also want to look for a geriatrician who can connect you with the appropriate resources and services that can help you improve your quality of life.

Choosing a geriatrician who cares for your aging needs can be one of the most important decisions you make for your health. By asking these questions, you can find a geriatrician who can provide you with the best care possible.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a geriatrician who can provide you with the best care possible, we invite you to visit Macie Medical, a leading provider of geriatric medicine services in Katy, Texas. 

Whether you need a routine check-up, chronic disease management, or a geriatric assessment, we can provide you with the care you deserve.

To learn more about our services and providers, please visit maciemedical.com or contact us today. You can also book an appointment online, request a consultation, or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates and tips on healthy aging. Don’t wait; find a geriatrician who cares for your aging needs.