Why Specialist Care Matters for Older Adults
Many seniors live with more than one health condition and each condition can call for its own expert. A primary care doctor handles the big picture while specialists focus on a particular part of the body or type of condition such as the heart, eyes, feet, or brain.
If you are searching for specialist care for elderly parents, you may already know how much work it takes to keep everything moving. Getting the right specialist at the right time can help your loved one’s conditions be monitored and managed and it keeps small problems from growing.
Common Medical Specialists Seniors May Need
Every person’s needs are different, but these are some of the types of specialists seniors may need:
- Cardiologist: heart and blood pressure conditions
- Endocrinologist: diabetes and thyroid conditions
- Neurologist: memory, movement, and nerve-related conditions
- Ophthalmologist or optometrist: vision and eye health
- Podiatrist: foot care, which is especially important for seniors with diabetes or balance concerns
- Audiologist: hearing and balance
- Orthopedist: bones, joints, and mobility
- Geriatrician: care focused on the health needs of older adults
Challenges Families Face Coordinating Specialist Care
Specialist care can be hard to keep organized. Families often tell us the hardest parts are:
- Scheduling and keeping track of multiple appointments
- Getting records and test results from one office to another
- Finding transportation to appointments, especially for seniors with limited mobility
- Understanding conflicting advice from different doctors
- Knowing who to call with questions between visits
If you are coordinating doctor appointments for elderly parents, it can feel like a second job. You are not doing anything wrong. The system is simply complicated and it works better with a team like ours behind you.
How Great Lakes PACE Coordinates Specialist Care
Great Lakes PACE brings medical care and support services together under one care team. Instead of you managing every referral and appointment, the care team helps coordinate specialist care as part of your loved one’s overall plan.
Support may include referrals to specialists, scheduling help, sharing information between providers, transportation to appointments, follow-up after visits. Because the team already knows your loved one’s health history and medications, specialists have a fuller picture and the plan stays connected.
Learn more about how PACE supports families on our Family Caregiver Support page and about medication review on our Medication Management page.
Specialist Care Access in Midland, Shiawassee, Bay, Tuscola, and Saginaw Counties
Great Lakes PACE serves seniors across Mid-Michigan If your loved one lives in one of these areas, our enrollment team can confirm whether they live in a PACE service area and explain how specialist care works. Service Area Zip Code Directory
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Specialists
Can my parent keep their current specialists?
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Does my parent need a referral to see a specialist?
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How does transportation to specialist visits work?
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Can I attend specialist appointments with my parent?
Family involvement is encouraged, with the participant’s participation and consent.
How do I get started?
Call our enrollment team to ask questions and check eligibility.
