Avery Point's On-Site Medical Center Provides Unparalleled Health Care Options

Health and well-being are one of three promises that Erickson Senior Living makes to its residents and employees. As a result, healthy living is a hallmark of Avery Point, the Erickson community in Short Pump, Va. 

Thanks to the community's on-site, full-service medical center, residents receive the personalized, senior-focused care they need to enjoy an active, engaging lifestyle!

Convenient care

Located on the terrace level of Fulton Landing, Avery Point's medical center provides care to residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday--offering everything from annual wellness exams and sick visits to immunizations and flu tests. 

"Medical center staff members work full-time, which gives us the opportunity to really get to know residents," says Dr. Peter Harding, Avery Point's medical director. "Many other retirement communities have physicians visiting campus only a few times a week to see patients." 

"We focus on preventive medicine--catching problems early," says Practice Administrator Bailey Johnson, who emphasizes the convenience of the community's medical center. "If a resident is sick, they don't have to get in their car and drive somewhere to receive care. They can simply walk here--indoors, if they please--from their apartment home."

Avery Point also boasts an on-site lab, staffed with two medical technicians trained in phlebotomy. The samples are sent to a nearby Labcorp for testing, with results available in one to two days. 

In addition, residents have access to a podiatrist, who visits the medical center two days each month, and a dermatologist who sees patients monthly. Next year, a nurse practitioner will join the staff, with plans for a social worker and audiologist to join soon after.

Always available

And because Avery Point physicians only treat residents, they are able to offer 60-minute new patient appointments and 30-minute follow-up and same-day visits. This provides Dr. Harding and his staff plenty of time to address all health needs and answer important questions.

"What's more, a resident's appointment duration can always be extended," says Harding. "It's a tremendous benefit, to take the time needed to understand a resident's needs and concerns." 

Johnson agrees. "Residents have a medical team that really cares about what's going on in their lives and wants to see them thrive," she says. 

And even when the medical center is closed, residents can still receive the care they need. 

All security personnel at the community are trained emergency responders who show up within minutes when a resident uses the emergency pull-cord in their apartment home. And Dr. Harding is on call 24/7, 365 days a year--even on holidays--if needed. 

"When I share that information with residents, they can't believe it!" says Johnson.

All in one place

Although residents can continue to visit the doctor they were seeing before their move, many choose Dr. Harding as their primary care physician (PCP). 

Those who choose Dr. Harding as their PCP are required to complete a patient packet that gathers information such as health history, medications, and any concerns. They also give the medical center permission to obtain records from their former PCP as well as any specialists.

Residents who elect to keep their current PCP still enjoy access to Avery Point's CarePath program. By providing their medical history and scheduling a yearly appointment with Dr. Harding, they are able to visit the medical center for same-day care, in the event that they cannot get an appointment with their PCP.

"We encourage all residents to schedule a new patient appointment at the very least," says Harding. "That way, if something comes up and they need to come to the medical center, I am able to treat them more thoroughly because I know their history."

'At home'

In September 2023, access to this top-notch, on-campus care was extended to Avery Point's Priority List members.

"It's been beneficial for our future residents. They're able to get a feel for the high-quality medical care we offer," says Harding. "Plus, if they're moving from out-of-state and want to transfer their care, I am able to start that process with them--before they even settle into their apartment home." 

And with a variety of exercise classes offered at the on-campus fitness center, Avery Point residents have endless opportunities to care for their health and well-being. 

"Having a medical system, a fitness center, and an array of classes and amenities available right outside your door is a game changer," notes Harding. "Each resident's needs and wants are taken care of--right here, at home."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Avery Point, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.