Do you feel that in General "Elder Care" is less than adequate?

I think that our elderly are sadly neglected both personally and medically. That doctor should have pulled his head out of his rectum and gotten on the ball and had the right tests done on your uncle. I think if I were you I would hold that doctor personally responsible for all the suffering your uncle had to endure. Sad to say there are way too many doctors just like the one you dealt with that just don't seem to care for our elderly, and thus give them less than satisfactory medical care.

A lot of people these days do not take pride in their work. I feel that a lot of doctors do it for the money without any concern for the people they treat. If your Uncle's doctor became a doctor to help people, he would have showed some effort to find the problem. I will not go to a doctor. They want too much money for the nothing that they give in return. I have studied botany. I make my own medicine.

Hi Matlgal. First would like to say I am sorry for your loss. In my opinion this is not an isolatd incident. I would encourage you to follow up with why this doctor did not order ultrasounds, swallow studies, and bloodwork. I almost didn't respond because I knew if I got started I would get my blood boiling. But I couldn't pass up a chance to share my thoughts. My thoughts are more along the lines of our nursing homes not as much as direct medical care from the patients physician. I no longer nurse but when I did, I worked in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for the elderly. It all depends on your state, but each state has a set amount of hours that each patient must receive direct care from a nursing assistant and a nurse. More times than not these ratios of patient to caregiver are drastically high. It is not unheard of for the 11-7 shift nurse to be responsible for more than 30-60 patients. The nursing shortage that is taking over this country will undoubtedly effect our elders and the care that they receive. More directly to your situation where your uncle was under the care of a specific MD. It is so sad to say that some doctors will not follow up as closely with someone who is aging as they would with a younger adult. I have met some great doctors who work with the elderly and they care for and treat each one with the same diligence as they would anyone else. However I have met those who were blatant in their disregard. Whether it be a neice, a nurse or a child of the elder we must remain the advocates for their care and not be afraid to question the doctors actions or lack thereof. I hope you find some solace as you remember the full life that he lived. The good that you can bring to others by sharing your story and making others aware may help to save another elder from this undeniable lack of care.