Maris Grove’s Integrated Health and Wellness System

Residents have access to a quality health care at the community's on-site medical center, rehab facilities, and pharmacy.

Moving to a senior living community is a big decision, and you want to make the right one. In addition to enjoying a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle, state-of-the-art amenities, clubs and activities, you'll want the peace of mind that comes with having quality health care just steps from your door.

That's exactly what you'll find at Maris Grove, an Erickson Living-managed senior living community in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The Erickson Health Management Group (EHMG) is a fully integrated health and wellness system that provides a range of medical services to residents at the on-site medical center, rehab facilities, and pharmacy.

The medical team is comprised of Board-certified physicians, nurses, physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals, and social workers, all of whom specialize in geriatric medicine. Care is available 24/7/365. Residents not only have doctors experienced in the nuances of senior health, they benefit from daily engagement with fitness instructors, nutritionists, chefs, medical specialists, and dozens of other experts working to help them live a healthy lifestyle.

This integrated, team-based approach also features the latest tools and technologies, like a proprietary patient portal with convenient access to electronic medical records, and telehealth options. The combination of expertise and access enables Maris Grove to provide the highest quality, personalized care to residents.

"Residents and their families find great value and peace of mind knowing that our full-time doctors, who are among the best in the retirement health care industry, are on site and available whenever needed," notes Erickson Living's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Matt Narrett. "Our integrated approach is unmatched in the senior living industry."

Patient-centered Care

"Seniors want a personal relationship with their health care providers, and we provide that," says Maris Grove's Medical Director, Dr. Cathy Smith, a Board-Certified Internist who has been with Maris Grove for 10 years.

Time spent with patients far exceeds national averages: Initial visits last 60 minutes, and follow-ups last 30 minutes. When residents can't come to the medical center, the staff provides in-home visits, televisits, and phone consultations.

"We care for the whole person, not just their conditions," notes Dr. Smith. "Everything that impacts the quality of their lives receives close attention: the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual, and wellness components. If we can make it better, we address it."

After hours, 99 percent of calls are answered within 10 minutes. All Security personnel, who are on campus 24/7, are trained EMTs, so medical emergencies can be handled quickly.

Because of those fast responses and longer, more comprehensive visits, 80 percent of Maris Grove's residents use the medical center for primary care. "Several things set us apart: We offer access that private practices can't. We focus exclusively on senior health. And we have strong, clear communication with patients. Residents appreciate those differences," says Dr. Smith.

Resident Bill Amend, a retired physician and professor who chairs the resident Health Committee, agrees that the quality of health care at Maris Grove is unsurpassed. "I'm so impressed with their understanding of senior medical care. The convenience is wonderful, because almost everything you need is on campus. And if you need to go off campus, there's a full-time liaison nurse whose only responsibility is tracking your care. That ensures first-rate continuity of care, which is vital when treating acute and chronic conditions." 

That kind of personal attention extends to every department at Maris Grove. The staff know the residents well; if they see something amiss, they alert the medical center immediately. "We're a village," notes Dr. Smith. "We contact those residents, with an eye toward catching emerging issues early. It's another big advantage of living here: Everyone participates in keeping residents healthy."

Planning Ahead

This year, more than ever, it's important to get the annual flu vaccine. The medical team is being proactive, going door-to-door to offer residents a flu shot. "It's the best way to protect everyone on campus," says Dr. Smith. "It will take about two weeks to reach all residents, and we'll be done well before flu season starts," says Dr. Smith.

Given the quality and scope of care, the focus on seniors, and emphasis on wellness, it's no wonder that 85 percent of Erickson Living residents, across 20 campuses, use the Erickson Health Medical Group. The system is consistently rated among the highest quality when compared to other senior communities and stand-alone care, giving residents the access and peace of mind they need to live healthier lives.

Don't wait to learn more about a healthy and engaged retirement at Maris Grove, by connecting with us today.