Download in PDF format
With the growth of the older adult population, community-based elder
health services are becoming critical components of the continuum
of care for many health systems. These specialized health service
centers for older adults, called "senior clinics," may vary widely
in mission, scope of available services, background and skills of
providers and overall capacity. The American Geriatrics Society has
developed the following information to help you evaluate the services
of the senior clinics available to you.
What is a senior clinic?
It is a group of health care providers
specializing in senior care. The clinic may be part of a hospital system,
a large group practice, or a smaller private practice. Locations
identifying themselves as a "senior clinic" should offer a
range of services custom-made for older adults.
Aren't most of my health problems just part of
old age? Why would I need a special clinic?
Many people still believe old age means sickness, which is
not true. The health care providers in a senior clinic should
have expertise and training in diagnosing or recognizing and managing
the common problems that occur with aging. They are focused on
treating you as a whole person, including your physical and mental
health, and your ability to function in your everyday activities.
What happens at a senior clinic?
The senior clinic should have special programs to diagnose and
treat the most common problems older adults face. Some of these
are:
- incontinence
- arthritis
- memory loss
- falls
- depression
- problems managing daily activities at home
Your care is usually provided by a group of people called a "team."
The team may consist of two or more of these providers:
- physician
- nurse or nurse practitioner
- physician assistant
- social worker or care manager
- occupational therapist
- physical therapist
- psychologist or psychiatrist
- pharmacist
- dietitian
The team will help you with your mental and social needs, and monitor
your ability to do the things you need to do everyday. They will
meet regularly to check on your progress and give you advice about
your care. For example, a social worker or care manager can help
you and your family connect with local services. In some clinics,
the team will oversee your care while you are in the hospital,
a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Senior clinics
work best when you can receive care there on a regular basis.
This is called primary care. The clinic may have a service that
is a one-time evaluation of your health problems, but you should
be able to go to the clinic for care after the evaluation. You
will likely receive information and written material about your
own health so you can take charge of it whenever possible.
What credentials should the providers have?
The physician in a senior clinic should have a certificate
of added qualifications in geriatrics (CAQ). He or she may have
completed a fellowship in geriatric medicine, or have extensive
experience and continuing education in geriatrics in place of
the certification. Nurses should have advanced education in geriatrics,
and may be called nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists.
Staff in senior clinics should have senior sensitivity training,
which is usually taught at a community college or by the clinic's
sponsor.
What is special about the office or clinic site?
A well-equipped senior clinic should have:
- physician
- nurse or nurse practitioner
- physician assistant
- social worker or care manager
- occupational therapist
- physical therapist
- psychologist or psychiatrist
- pharmacist
- dietitian
Transportation services should be provided by the clinic or clinic
staff may help you find local transportation.
How will team members know what each is doing for
me?
The clinic should have a way of sharing information about
your care with other people caring for you. For example, reports
about your stay in the hospital should be shared with the skilled
nursing facility and the team at the clinic. Ask how the clinic
makes your records available to the rest of the team.
How will I know the team is doing a good job?
The clinic should give regular reports to the community
and to patients about the effectiveness of the care being given.
For example, the clinic might print information on the immunization
rates of the clinic's patients. You should also be given the chance
to tell the clinic staff how you liked the services they gave
you, and the team members should have enough time to spend with
you and your family to address your concerns.
How will I pay for the care?
You need to ask about the fees the clinic charges for
its services, and find out whether or not Medicare and/or your
other health insurance will pay for these services. Most clinics
offered through managed care or HMO plans do not charge extra
fees for their services-but again, you need to ask! There may
be special financial payment plans for older adults who have limited
financial resources.
How can I find out if there is a senior clinic
near me?
You may call the American Geriatrics Society at (800)
247-4779 for referral information, or check the AGS website at
www.americangeriatrics.org.
