A Single Point of Contact: How a Primary Care Physician Streamlines Senior Care and Reduces Hospitalization

A senior man has his lungs listened to by a doctor

Unlike previous generations who saw retirement as a time to take it easy, today’s older adults see it as a time to pursue new interests, connect with friends and family and travel. To be able to do everything you want to do, being healthy plays a vital role. That’s why an over 2,000-year-old quote attributed to the Roman poet Virgil still rings true today: “The greatest wealth is health.”

While research shows the importance of being physically active, eating a healthy diet and maintaining social connections, there’s another important component of overall health and wellness: your primary care physician. In fact, as part of our overall wellness philosophy, Friendship Village has a primary care physician on campus who works with residents to improve their quality of care and reduce the burden of transportation and care coordination. We are strong believers in the benefits of primary care in senior living.

How Primary Care Physicians Help Seniors

They’re crucial to managing your chronic health conditions.

Chronic conditions are severe, persistent health issues and include everything from hypertension to arthritis to diabetes to dementia to ALS.Frequent visits with your primary care physician can help them to understand exactly how each chronic health condition is impacting the others. They can then suggest treatments that will work to improve your overall health.

They understand the big picture.

When it comes to questions about your health, your primary care provider is your best option. They can serve as a single point of contact and act as your advocate to ensure any specialist you may need to see receives the pertinent medical and treatment history. After forming a relationship with your primary care physician through years of consultation, you’re more able to trust their treatment suggests and they’re more likely to understand your preferences.

They offer health support and advice tailored to you.

When you start to think of your primary care doctor as the specialist who keeps you healthy by focusing on the big picture, it’s easier to understand the impact they can make. Your primary care physician looks for specific health risks that you or your family might have and can then make customized recommendations to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions. They can also recommend the right time and place for various health screenings. These personalized recommendations take into consideration your individual and family risk factors for certain treatable diseases and incorporate your preferences.

How Where You Live Can Impact Your Health and Wellness

At Friendship Village Tempe, we offer a wide variety of programs designed to promote your whole-body health and wellness because we believe retirement is your time to more fully enjoy life. If you feel the same way, contact us here to schedule your personal visit. Once you tour our amenity-rich campus, talk with our friendly staff and meet the vibrant and active residents who proudly call Friendship Village home, you’ll understand the difference your lifestyle choices can make.