Medical Center at Avery Point Provides a Personalized Approach to Well-Being

A little over a year ago, when Robin and Sallie Wells were taking an afternoon walk, Robin felt a strange flutter in his heart. He had experienced one earlier that morning, but he didn't think anything of it. The second occurrence prompted him to get it checked out. 

As residents of Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., help was right around the corner at the on-campus medical center. 

"I walked in and told them what was going on, and they did an EKG," recalls Robin. While Dr. Peter Harding, Avery Point's medical director, thought it wasn't anything to worry about, he sent Robin for care at a local hospital just to be safe. 

"It turned out to be nothing," says Robin. "But that goes to show that Dr. Harding is number one, first-class all the way!"

This convenient, first-class care is what draws many retirees to Avery Point. 

"You can't beat the convenience of the medical center. It's just steps away from residents' front doors," says Harding. "We want the best for our residents, and we are always here to support them."

The doctor is in

All health care professionals at the on-site medical center, including Harding, are full-time employees of Erickson Senior Living who are experienced in senior care. 

However, residents can choose to keep their current primary care physicians--and still use the medical center for flu shots, tests, and screenings. 

"In this case, we ask that you see a doctor on campus once a year so the medical center knows about your medical history, any medications you take, lab work, and any chronic issue you may be dealing with," explains Harding. "That way, if there's ever an emergency, I can make an educated decision or recommendation based on your full history."

He adds, "Even if someone just has a bad cold and comes in to see me, it's the worst time to try to get medical history from them!"

Harding notes that, in addition to annual in-person checkups, timely appointments are available. 

"A lot of times, people who still have their primary care physician come in and say they couldn't get in to see them for six weeks because they didn't have openings," says Harding. 

Compassionate care

Another reason the medical center stands out is because of the amount of time it allows for appointments.

"We have more time with patients here," says Harding. "A new patient appointment is usually one hour, which gives you plenty of time to get to know the person. Follow-ups are 30 minutes, whereas a lot of practices and specialists are only doing 15- or 20-minute appointments with back-to-back patients."

Robin, like his neighbors, appreciates having this in-depth, personal care at his fingertips. 

"I call Dr. Harding my orchestra leader," says Robin, with a laugh. "He orchestrates what everybody else is doing and follows up on it. He knows me."

Peace of mind

For Robin and Sallie, one of the biggest benefits of on-campus care is peace of mind. They feel safe in their two-bedroom, two-bath residence knowing that, if a medical issue were to happen, they can pull an emergency cord on their wall. 

At all Erickson Senior Living communities, security team members are trained emergency responders. If a resident pulls their cord, they get there in a flash.

The Wellses got to see this protocol in action--but it wasn't during an emergency.

"When we moved in, my son-in-law was with us, and we were putting all the boxes in the spare bedroom. He threw a box, and it hit the wall--and the pull cord," recalls Robin. "Within two minutes, the manager on duty--because it was the weekend--and two security staff were here. One had a medical bag, ready to help. That impressed me from the start because, if something goes wrong, I know they're going to respond!"

And if security team members have a question about anything when responding to a resident, they contact Harding to get his input. 

"Working with security is very helpful. They're my eyes and ears at night and on weekends," explains Harding. 

Here for you

Knowing that he and Sallie are in the best hands at Avery Point, Robin is looking forward to a happy and healthy 2025.

Invest in your future self at Avery Point. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!