My mom used to live 2 hrs away from us & had the same doctor for 30+ years. When we moved my mom in with us (it was the only way we could get her to agree to sell her house), she insisted on keeping her doctor. In the past year, we've made the 4 hr round trip for appointments. Recently, a few significant circumstances have taken place. 1) Mom has finally agreed that it's too much to drive back to her hometown for doctor appointments; 2) Her physician has agreed that we're going to need medical care closer to where mom now lives and 3) the doctor agreed (finally) with me that mom is exhibiting dementia. So, ok. I've got a 91 yr old with cognitive decline & I need to find a new doctor for her. The closest geriatric doctor is 40 minutes away in downtown Boston. NOT an option as far as I'm concerned. Should I go with a regular PCP? Should I be looking for a psychiatrist instead because of the dementia? The current doctor has been rather vague and unhelpful and hasn't done much else but say, "Yup, dementia - and that'll be $50 in administrative fees for copies of her medical records." *Sigh*
With my aunt (92) we see her geriatric primary only two hours away once a year. Now that urgent cares are here if I get antsy I have a good one within a mile for sniffles or UTIs etc. I also utilize HHC for her blood work.
For things like eyes, ears and feet I use local talent.
if you can get it all handled in a day from the top physicians then it’s worth it to spend the time driving ( to me) rather than sitting in a waiting room. Sometimes you have a great doctor but subpar ER and hospital in the smaller markets. I have found that it works to go to where I can get the best of both for my loved ones.
It sounds like you are not pleased with the doctor now at any rate.
If she has insurance look to see what doctors are in the area, and what you can determine by any ratings that there may be. Look for both Neurologist and if possible a Neuro-psychologist. A neuro-psychologist will work with a neurologist to help form a good plan.
Frankly, in my opinion, at some point there is not much that a neurologist can do but prescribe drugs that are supposed to slow the progression. The kicker is at what point are they no longer effective and at what point do you discontinue them...They do not make better what is wrong.
A good Primary Care Physician can prescribe the same medications, a good PCP will refer you to another doctor if there is something that he or she can not handle. And at that point if you trust the PCP they will refer you to someone they trust.
So what I would do is look first for a good PCP and then if you need to find another or a specialist search after you see them.
During our search we found psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who had training and experience with geriatric issues. Once again our experience only, ANY specialist without geriatric training was pretty useless.
Our BEST experience has been with a fine psychiatric PA, who got to know LO, initiated a trial of a very small dose of antidepressant/anti anxiety medication, and has followed her during her stay in the MC Unit of a good AL.
In a smaller town, yes, there would be fewer candidates---but you'd be going on the word of friends.
Also, Google the "Health Grades" of drs in your search.
Mother was switched to the "new dr" didn't like her and switched back to the one who is her age (89). Heaven help us. He should have retired 25 years ago.
You can lead a horse....good luck with this.