INDUSTRY INSIGHT
GERIATRIC CARE
SPONSORED CONTENT
Choosing a GERIATRICIAN
G
eriatricians manage the health care needs of older
adults and bring order to managing what are often
complex medical needs. Older individuals may
develop disabilities or illnesses that are more common
to their age group. Many struggle with frailty, frequent falls,
problems with memory and medication-related side effects.
When selecting a geriatrician, consider these questions:
1. What is the doctor’s background? Medical education? Years
of experience?
2. What are the doctor’s office policies and hours?
3. Is the doctor covered under your health care plan?
ADDITIONAL GERIATRICIAN TIPS
• A geriatrician must be a board-certified physician who has
trained in either family practice or internal medicine.
þ A geriatrician specializes in treating older adults and can
provide knowledge and skill that other physicians cannot.
• Asbury Heights, part of UPMC Senior Communities, has its own
team of board-certified and fellowship-trained geriatricians
and nurse practitioners who see residents in Asbury’s Health
& Wellness Center and throughout the Asbury community.
Hospitals, universities and medical societies also have plenty
of resources for matching you with a geriatrician/health care
provider that fits your needs.
INTRODUCING THE $5,000
ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION
THE CHOICE IS YOURS:
$5,000 ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION
• Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes
• Access to all services and amenities
ENTRANCE FEE OPTION
• 50% off refundable and non-refundable options
• Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes
For more information, contact Gail Brenkus at 412-571-5031
or [email protected].
• Your friends and co-workers will be honest with you about
doctors they have used. Find out which health care providers
are popular among friends or those with older relatives and see
if one of those would be right for you.
• If your loved one has a chronic disease like asthma, diabetes
or glaucoma, ask your doctor about any experience treating a
patient with the disease.
• It should be convenient and easy to visit your doctor’s office, so
keep in mind:
þ Location – Closer to home is better.
þ Office hours – You want a doctor who is accessible as much
as possible.
þ Health care provider availability – If your doctor is
inaccessible or out of town, who do you contact instead?
Are you comfortable with them? Can you be seen by
another medical professional within the group?
• Will you be using Medicare hospital insurance? If so, determine
whether your doctor is part of a managed care plan network. If
you use the fee-for-service program, you do not need to worry
about this.
• It is important for you to have an open flow of communication
with your doctor. Find a doctor who will share with you and,
with your permission, other family members when necessary.
• Bring all medical records and medications, including both
prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, to the first visit. Plan
to ask plenty of questions.
Learn more about Asbury Heights or arrange a tour from
the web site at www.asburyheights.org. You can also call at
412.571.5138 or email [email protected].
This Industry Insight was written by Jonna Drost,
DNP, CRNP.
Independent Living Personal Care
Memory Support Nursing and Rehabilitation
700 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon
asburyheights.org
Jonna is the nurse practitioner at the Health &
Wellness Center at Asbury Heights. She has extensive
experience working with older adults.
Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
BETHEL PARK
❘
SPRING 2018
15