The Importance of Senior-Focused Health Care

More than ever, enhancing personal health and well-being is a top priority for older adults interested in senior living communities.

In fact, residents of Erickson Senior Living communities experience the benefits of convenient access to a full continuum of health care in one location, on-site emergency response, and a medical center, as well as proximity to amenities and social opportunities.

We spoke with Dr. Matt Narrett, Erickson Senior Living's chief medical officer, to learn more about how the industry-leading company is evolving its health and well-being offerings to meet the needs of current and future members of its communities.

Q: How does living at a continuing care retirement community like those managed by Erickson Senior Living help retirees care for their health?
A: Erickson Senior Living is committed to the health and well-being of each resident and team member. To deliver on that pledge, we are making significant ongoing investments in well-being resources. Our integrative approach combines the best of medical and lifestyle approaches, exclusive to senior living.

It begins with the medical centers located conveniently within the communities, staffed by Erickson Health Medical Group professionals whose sole focus is providing expert, compassionate care to residents.

Our health insurance program, Erickson Advantage, available exclusively to residents of our communities and designed to suit their individual needs, has earned the coveted 5-star rating for quality and service from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in each of the past four years. 

Q: What makes Erickson Senior Living's approach to health care unique?
A: With more than 40 years of experience helping retirees live better lives within our network of communities, Erickson Senior Living has developed a health care platform that is unlike any other in the industry and designed to provide residents with the opportunity to maximize their personal health and well-being. We work to understand their needs and preferences and support them in making healthy choices that support the lifestyle they want.

One example of our approach is how we begin each resident's annual wellness visit in the medical center. We start by asking "what are your goals and what are the barriers to realizing them?" It seems like a basic question, but this information is foundational to the relationship and the detailed plan that we establish together.

Over the years we have received a vast range of answers from "hoping to take a trip to Tahiti" to simply "controlling my diabetes better." We have many wonderful stories of helping residents achieve their goals, and even making their hopes and dreams come true!

Q: What if new residents already have a doctor? Can they use the on-site medical center?
A: Absolutely! We have tremendous respect for the relationships you have built with your current medical providers and are here to support and extend that care however possible. Through our Care Path program, you maintain your current team of medical providers while using the community medical center to provide services that are often more convenient.

We recommend that new residents start with a visit to the medical center so we can get to know one another. By having a complete record, we can better support any care you may need.

If the weather is inclement or your doctor is away, for instance, you can secure an appointment and we can contact your regular provider afterward to facilitate follow-up.

Q: What do residents tell you they like about the commitment to their health and well-being?
A: I love hearing from residents that they are trying something new--whether it's starting to exercise in the fitness center or joining a volunteer group to help the surrounding community. Much of this is driven by improved health and well-being.

I encourage you to visit an Erickson Senior Living community to see the peace of mind and the vibrant lifestyle you can enjoy for yourself!

Request a brochure to learn more about Erickson Senior Living's commitment to supporting residents' health and well-being.