Elderly people have unique health needs. They should seek out medical help from doctors experienced in treating patients of their age, but who have also successfully treated with any ailments they have. If an elderly individual has Alzheimer’s Disease, for instance, it’s important to seek out care from doctors with experience treating these people. Additionally, because of their age, their metabolic processes work differently than they did when they were younger. Here’s how you can help find the right doctor for all your needs and get answers to some of your important questions.

What Is Your Success Rate Treating My Condition?

First and foremost, if you have any specific medical needs, you want a doctor who can treat them effectively. You wouldn’t want to go to a doctor who never treated someone with diabetes if you have diabetes. Find someone who has expertise with people like you. It’s also vital to find a doctor who is experienced with elderly patients.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Medicine?

While it might be interesting to know where they grew up, where they got their medical degree, their MCAT scores, or whether they took an MCAT practice test before they went to school, however, this information is not relevant to their qualifications. All doctors go through rigorous training and testing to ensure they can provide quality care. What might be more relevant is how long they’ve been in practice. If you have complex medical needs, a newer doctor may not be the best choice. You want someone with just enough experience, but who is also willing to think outside the box when needed to ensure you get the care you need.

What Hospitals Are You Associated With?

If the only hospitals are far away from your home, it’s unlikely they’d be able to come to see you in the hospital if you had an emergency. Many older people feel more comfortable if their doctor can see them in the event of an emergency. In this case, choose a doctor who also practices at a hospital close to your home.

Are There Supplements I Should Avoid While Taking This Medication?

Doctors prescribe a lot of medications. While it’s important to tell them upfront if there are any medicines or supplements you take, sometimes things get missed. By asking this question, you can find out if there are supplements you shouldn’t take that would either make the medication less effective or cause a harmful reaction. While most over-the-counter supplements are relatively benign in the right dosing, your body can respond negatively if you take those supplements with your medicines.

How Can I Improve My Overall Health?

It’s never too late to improve your health. While you may not like what the doctor has to say, don’t take it personally. If they mention your weight, it’s not because they want to be critical, but because they know that many health conditions are linked to obesity. If they mention you should stop drinking alcohol, it’s not because they want to boss you around. They know that excessive alcohol intake leads to many health conditions including liver disease and pancreatitis.

Which Exercises Are Safe For Me To Do?

Let’s face it, getting older means that your body doesn’t move the way it used to. Your joints might be stiff, you could lack flexibility, and your muscles aren’t as strong anymore. Even with different medical conditions like degenerative disc disease, there are safe exercises to help you strengthen your body without hurting it. The most important thing is to take it slow and don’t do any exercises that your doctor doesn’t recommend.

Do You Offer Lab Tests In The Office?

Many elderly folks lack the mobility they need to easily get in and out of places. For those individuals, it’s often important to find doctors who can run lab tests in the office. This helps them get all the care they need in one place. Blood draws can be exceptionally difficult on older patients. Their veins aren’t always as healthy. Having a medical office that is experienced with the elderly means they will have people who are even experienced with getting a good stick into those smaller veins.