The Doctor Is In: Tallgrass Creek Medical Center Provides Comprehensive On-Campus Senior Health Care

Tallgrass Creek, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Senior Living, is known for its multitude of attractive amenities and services. But the Overland Park, Kansas community has one benefit that sets it apart from any other community in the area.

"Tallgrass Creek has a wonderful medical clinic right here with such helpful full time physicians and other medical services dedicated just to residents," says Jean Tracy, who moved to Tallgrass Creek from California. "I did a lot of research before moving and didn't find that anywhere else."

Tallgrass Creek has all of your medical needs covered

Medical Director Royce Dunn, D.O. who heads up the clinic and Sally Bruns D.O., also a physician in the clinic, are both board-certified in internal medicine. The medical team includes a nurse practitioner who specializes in gerontology, a podiatrist, a social worker, and several medical assistants. Additionally, the clinic partners with a cardiologist and audiologist available by appointment.  

"We also have a fully functioning lab so we can process COVID, flu tests, and other lab work for both residents and staff," says practice administrator Janel Southard. "No one has to travel offsite or worry about the weather or parking. It's a huge plus."

The clinic offers in-person appointments and even old-fashioned house calls if needed. With the escalation of the pandemic, telehealth appointments are also available. Residents often get same-day appointments and for added security, a physician is on call 24/7.

Resident Lyra McCarty and her husband Gary Owensby were Dunn's patients for about 10 years before they moved to Tallgrass Creek.

"We were thrilled when we found Dr. Dunn was coming here," says Lyra. "He is so bright and personable and is truly the anchor for our health care. Plus the convenience of having the clinic just steps from our residence is wonderful."

About 80 percent of the residents at Tallgrass Creek utilize the clinic's physicians as their primary care doctors. But Dunn says the clinic also serves those who have relationships with other providers

"We understand residents may have longtime relationships with their own primary care physicians," says Dunn. "But the center is available as an urgent care clinic if you feel poorly or would like medical attention."

Door to door senior medical care

With flu season upon us, Tallgrass Creek's medical team is ensuring residents receive vaccinations safely by taking their show on the road.

"In the past, we offered vaccinations in the clinic or with a personal house call if needed, but with the pandemic, it's safer to give all the vaccinations in individual residences," says Southard. "Our mobile flu clinic is going door to door through October though vaccinations are also available in the clinic."

Like Tallgrass Creek, each of Erickson Senior Living's 20 communities has onsite medical centers dedicated only to that community's residents. Dr. Matt Narrett, Chief Medical Officer for Erickson Senior Living notes that residents find "great value and peace of mind" knowing their community's physicians are among the best in retirement health care and are onsite and available when needed.  

Bob and Janet Butterworth discovered that when they became patients at Tallgrass Creek's clinic after being with another practice for 25 years.

"Honestly, it's a night and day experience," says Bob. "I had a minor problem, got into Tallgrass Creek's clinic that day, and the issue was resolved. It would have taken much longer at our former practice."   

The Butterworths are very active, and Bob says having the medical center so close provides great peace of mind.

"No one wants to be sick," says Bob. "But if I am, this is the place to be."

To learn more about the healthy and engaged lifestyle at Tallgrass Creek, connect with us today.