Greenspring's Medical Center Provides a Personalized Approach to Well-Being

Sarah and Ken Plumb had no plans to move from their Vienna, Va., house to a retirement community. 

"We thought we were going to live happily ever after in our house," says Sarah. 

But their plans quickly changed when Sarah faced a serious health scare. 

"One night, in October 2016, I was in the emergency room with a doctor scanning a tumor on my ovaries," she recalls. "Although the resulting surgery determined the tumor was benign, the whole experience made us get serious about our future health care, especially access to medical facilities."

Boasting a medical center staffed with full-time professionals and a continuing care neighborhood on campus, Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., was the community for them, the couple decided. 

"To this minute, over seven years later, I believe that Greenspring is the only place to retire," says Sarah. "The medical center is a safety net providing so much peace of mind. You never want to think about getting sick or needing care, but it's so important!"

Convenience matters

Staffed with four board-certified physicians, two nurse practitioners, six medical assistants, a licensed social worker, podiatrist, and a practice administrator, the medical center offers convenient, senior-focused care for residents. 

"Quality health care is just steps away from residents' front doors. That's a real advantage," says Ibrahima Kaba, Greenspring's associate regional director of practice administration. 

Residents can walk to the medical center for everything from annual wellness checkups to vaccinations. Telehealth appointments and home visits are available as well, and residents can always reach out to their providers through the online health portal. 

"Our doctors are accessible and very personable, and so is the staff!" says Sarah. "Most of the medical assistants have worked at Greenspring for over five years. It's so nice, especially when you aren't feeling well, to see a familiar face."

Freedom to choose

Residents can keep their current primary care physicians, if desired, and still use the medical center for flu shots, tests, and screenings. 

"When Ken and I moved to Greenspring, we kept our primary care physician in McLean [Va.]. But that lasted less than a year," says Sarah. "The drive got to be too much." 

She continues, "It just made sense to utilize the medical center. Now, I see Dr. Bhagavathula, who we call 'Dr. B,' and Ken sees Dr. Dar. They are wonderful doctors who really care about us." 

Last April, when Ken suffered complications from COVID-19 and required hospitalization, Sarah turned to Greenspring's trusted medical team. 

"All of the sudden, the medical center gained significance for us. It became vital," she recalls. "In the weeks and months that followed, I appreciated the seamless group practice and the physicians all working together for Ken's benefit. They coordinated wonderfully with the doctors in the hospital and helped us with medication adjustments."

Compassionate care

"What's more, they took care of me!" notes Sarah, who served as caregiver as Ken recovered.

"When Ken first got sick, I had a calm exterior, but inside, I was overwhelmed," she recalls. "Then, one day, unexpectedly, Ibrahima called me to ask how I was doing. I was flabbergasted. I thought, 'What? Me?'" 

She continues, "But that's another great thing about Greenspring's medical team. They include caregivers into the equation, understanding the intensity and stress we are under. There is so much comfort in knowing that the team is looking out for me, too."

Thanks to the continuity of care Ken received both in and out of the hospital, he is now recovered and gaining his strength back. 

"And Dr. Dar is making sure he stays well," says Sarah, with a smile. "I never could have taken care of Ken in our former house. In all stressful situations, the medical center has come through."

Time for you

The Plumbs couldn't be more grateful for the compassionate health care they receive at Greenspring.

"Everyone stops in their tracks to help you," notes Sarah. "One night, I witnessed Dr. B leaving when someone stopped her with a medical issue. She dropped her bag and listened. That's typical. There is a wonderful culture here!"

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