Care Centered Around You

When Jean and Roland Hirsch began looking for a retirement community, Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland, Kans., topped their list. "I heard Tallgrass Creek was a very good community, well-run with wonderful programs for residents," Jean says. 

Another compelling reason was the convenient, on-site medical center staffed with dedicated physicians. "For us, one of the drawing factors was the medical center. They have a medical office right inside."

Exclusive health network

The Tallgrass Creek medical center, led by Medical Director Dr. Wendy Belcher, is only available to residents who live in the community. 

Many Tallgrass Creek residents choose one of the medical center's two physicians and nurse practitioner as their primary care provider. Other residents choose to use the medical center for "carepath" visits--keeping their outside primary care provider but establishing a relationship with the Tallgrass Creek medical center for an acute care or emergent need. 

"This allows our providers to have a better understanding of the resident's medical history should they need us in an emergency," says Janel Southard, Tallgrass Creek practice administrator. "It allows the resident to keep their primary care provider and their peace of mind."

Peace of mind

Moving from Germantown, Md., in 2019, Jean and Roland saw the on-site medical center as a significant benefit to choosing Tallgrass Creek. 

"We use the medical center for primary care, vaccinations, lab work, and consultations about referrals," Jean says. "We are able to get a same-day appointment quickly and receive advice on what to do to take care of any issues."

Executive Director Adam Dickson likes hearing that. "Residents have told me how they quickly began feeling better after getting a same-day appointment in the medical center. And they never had to leave the community," he says.

Dickson says the on-site medical center gives residents peace of mind and an extra level of advocacy while they are trying to navigate the ever-evolving health care system.  

"Many retirement communities offer medical services, but our program is unique in that we support the resident through so much more than a typical routine medical appointment," Dickson says. 

The interdisciplinary team of clinicians meets weekly to review and support unexpected care needs. They draw from years of experience to efficiently and safely provide residents the care and resources they need.   

"This team advocates for our residents when they may not have someone available to do so. At Tallgrass, you have access to world-class health care with a team of people who will support you like family," Dickson says.

Senior focus

Each Tallgrass Creek provider is experienced in identifying and managing conditions more prevalent in older adults and analyzing other chronic conditions to provide appropriate care.

"Certain medical conditions can present differently in someone who is 70 compared to someone who is 40," says Southard. "A senior health care specialist has the knowledge to identify and treat medical issues that are specific to seniors." 

Jean appreciates the many advantages of this expert knowledge. 
"I think the level of care is excellent because the providers specialize in older adults, and I always have plenty of time to discuss any of my concerns," she says. 

The Tallgrass Creek medical center books 30-minute appointments as opposed to the standard 10- to 15-minute appointments scheduled in most medical offices. 

"Our providers understand that taking the time to talk through medical care with our residents is extremely important," Southard says. 

"They are as patient as they can be," Jean says. "I like having my doctor here at the medical center. I'm always able to get an appointment and am given enough time to talk about my concerns and receive my doctor's suggestions and referrals."

Continuous, holistic care

As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), should the health care needs of a Tallgrass Creek resident change, other options are offered on campus at Blue Sage Pointe, the continuing care neighborhood. Care includes skilled nursing, assisted living, long-term care, and memory care services. 

"Our residents have the ability to maintain their relationship with their on-site primary care, who will visit them for appointments in the comfort of their new residence at Blue Sage Pointe," Southard explains. "Residents also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their primary care provider is easily accessible by the other members of their care team at Blue Sage Pointe."

Jean and Roland find comfort in knowing that, should they ever need additional care, it would be a seamless transition.

"We're really pleased with all the services we receive at the medical center at Tallgrass Creek," Jean says.

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.