Healthy Lifestyle Choices can Help Seniors Cope with Aging
April 12, 2006
Contact: Todd Harper
Phone: 317-630-7808
Pager: 317-310-5972
Indianapolis - One in eight Hoosiers is 65 years of age or older according to numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau. By the year 2040 it is estimated that the senior population in Indiana will hit 1.48 million, or nearly double the number of seniors living in Indiana today.
Understanding and evaluating the health of older adults requires a special sensitivity to their unique personal and medical concerns. Senior Care at Wishard Health Services helps older adults and their families cope with the medical, social and emotional issues frequently associated with aging.
Senior Care at Wishard provides one of the only comprehensive geriatric primary care programs in the state of Indiana and the only one in Marion County. The Senior Care program, including the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard, provides a team approach to care that helps older adults and their families attain and maintain health and independence. Whether it's answering questions about Medicare, providing information about financial and other insurance issues, or providing help with medication management, the doctors and staff of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard are available to assist seniors in need.
"Staying healthy as an older adult is much the same as it is for younger adults. This includes going to the doctor for regular check-ups which is important for detection of problems in the early stages, but also to arrange any chronic health problems and review medications," said Dr. Robin Beck, medical director, Senior Care at Wishard.
Consultative services are a major focus of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard. Following a complete health evaluation and physical examination, the center's team of healthcare professionals develops a plan of care with the patient's particular needs in mind. Recommendations are reviewed with the patient and his or her family. A copy of the plan of care also is given to the patient's personal doctor.
Dr. Beck said there are several steps that are critical for seniors to live healthy and independently.
"Keeping active with the mind and body is critical in preventing memory impairment and functional decline. Coupling that with a well-rounded diet and exercise will promote strong bones and muscles to also help maintain function. In sum, healthy living can lead to living independently for a longer time," Dr. Beck said.
In addition to the medical evaluations, Senior Care at Wishard offers a variety of other services. The services include: House Calls for Seniors, a program that provides team-based primary care in the home for those ages 65 and older who live in Marion County and are unable to leave their homes without extraordinary assistance; Extended Care service provides patients with a team of doctors and nurse practitioners to assist in rehabilitation or long-term care in a nursing home; Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit, located in Wishard Memorial Hospital includes a team of a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, social worker and therapists who work together to care for hospitalized older adults. The goal of the ACE Unit is to help older adults recover from their illnesses while maintaining their function so they can return home to their usual activities; Senior Connection offers a host of benefits, activities and support to help older adults stay healthy as they age. Senior Connection is a free wellness membership program open to anyone 55 or older.
For more information about the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard and Senior Care, please call (317) 630-8790.