Medical Clinics
With the growth of the older adult population, community-based elder health services are becoming critical components of the continuum of care for many health systems. These specialized health service centers for older adults, called "senior clinics," may vary widely in mission, scope of available services, background and skills of providers and overall capacity. The American Geriatrics Society has developed the following information to help you evaluate the services of the senior clinics available to you.
What is a senior clinic?
It is a group of health care providers specializing in senior care. The clinic may be part of a hospital system, a large group practice, or a smaller private practice. Locations identifying themselves as a "senior clinic" should offer a range of services custom-made for older adults.
Aren't most of my health problems just part of old age? Why would I need a special clinic?
Many people still believe old age means sickness, which is not true. The health care providers in a senior clinic should have expertise and training in diagnosing or recognizing and managing the common problems that occur with aging. They are focused on treating you as a whole person, including your physical and mental health, and your ability to function in your everyday activities.
What happens at a senior clinic?
Care is usually provided by a team consisting of two or more of these providers:
- physician, often a geriatrician
- nurse or nurse practitioner
- physician assistant
- social worker or care manager
- occupational therapist
- physical therapist
- psychologist or psychiatrist
- pharmacist
- dietitian
The team will help you with your mental and social needs, and monitor your ability to do the things you need to do everyday. They will meet regularly to check on your progress and give you advice about your care. For example, a social worker or care manager can help you and your family connect with local services. In some clinics, the team will oversee your care while you are in the hospital, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Senior clinics work best when you can receive care there on a regular basis. This is called primary care. The clinic may have a service that is a one-time evaluation of your health problems, but you should be able to go to the clinic for care after the evaluation. You will likely receive information and written material about your own health so you can take charge of it whenever possible.
What credentials should the providers have?
Physicians and nurses should have advanced education in geriatrics, and may be called nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Staff in senior clinics should also have senior sensitivity training.
How will team members know what each is doing for me?
The clinic should have a way of sharing information about your care with other people caring for you. For example, reports about your stay in the hospital should be shared with the skilled nursing facility and the team at the clinic.
How will I know the team is doing a good job?
The clinic should give regular reports to the community and to patients about the effectiveness of the care being given. For example, the clinic might print information on the immunization rates of the clinic's patients. You should also be given the chance to tell the clinic staff how you liked the services they gave you, and the team members should have enough time to spend with you and your family to address your concerns.
How will I pay for the care?
Ask about the fees the clinic charges for its services, and find out whether or not Medicare and/or your other health insurance will pay for these services. Most clinics offered through managed care or HMO plans do not charge extra fees for their services-but again, you need to ask! There may be special financial payment plans for older adults who have limited financial resources.