Frustrated with finding Geriatric care

justbreathe2

Three days ago, I called the memory clinic to inquire about practitioner that was scheduled with DH today.  The receptionist said there was only 1 geriatric doctor and she only works one day a week. She said the practitioner was very good and could prescribed medications. She would give my DH a short test…. So I decided to have the appointment.
I sent the practitioner a note to explain my purpose in the appointment. Told her my DH is not showing any signs of wandering, anger or hallucinations. Wanted to get established with her, discuss his memory, so when the time come I can get help with medications. Sent dates my DH was tested, and brief detail.

Geared my DH up for the appointment. All ready to leave the house this a.m.

So 30 minutes before leaving I get voice message from the practitioner telling me she only does testing and they are not a geriatric clinic. She knows he has appointment so that is what we do here.  I can cancel if I want.

So I canceled.  So frustrating.  I want to sit in corner and cry with a bottle of wine. But I know that will not help and I will only feel worse.

Had to get out for awhile. My DH tells me we should work together. Tell him when he doing something wrong, etc. Pick him up some Prevagen… Feels he getting better…he’s not.

Not sure what I will do now.

harshedbuzz

@justbreathe2

I am sorry the appointment didn't happen— that's very frustrating.

Prevagen has a pretty bad reputation around here.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-curbs-unfounded-memory-supplement-claims-2019053116772

M1

So sorry but not surprised. I might call the memory clinic back and ask specifically about a referral to a geriatric psychiatrist. Or just do a google search, or call some memory care facilities near you and ask who they would recommend. As we were discussing on your other thread, good on you for doing this when there's not an urgent issue. But it's so frustrating that it's this hard.

jfkoc

So what is a memory clinic …just ourpatien testing???

concerned_sister

Mini rant on supplements: my tv diet is filled with lots of advertisers for various supplements. (My DB and SIL also asked about them.) But I note very careful vocabulary:

I believe….I feel…"for ME"…

Things are better, amazing, wonderful, nothing ever measurable or quantifiable. I just find that genre of advertising annoying,

clarinetist

justbreathe2, I know from experience how frustrating it can be to find a geriatric psychiatrist who is accepting new patients, and you have my sympathy. I ended up getting an appointment with a geriatric physician’s assistant for my husband. She can prescribe psychiatric medications. You might also look for a geriatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who also can prescribe. It’s good that you’re being proactive with this; good luck in finding someone!