The doctor will see you—now!

Healthy living is a hallmark of the Erickson Living lifestyle. A key facet of this unbeatable lifestyle is the on-site, full-service medical center providing first-rate, proactive, and personal health care. And Windsor Run is no exception.

Once open, Windsor Run will offer a level of care unavailable at other retirement communities, including services dedicated to providing the best care possible at all levels of health. The hand-picked medical staff will specialize in the unique needs of seniors and work exclusively with community members. They will provide personalized care, same-day appointments, and proactive care focused on individual patients' goals.

"One of the things I enjoy most about working at an Erickson Living community is the fact that my patients are always within walking distance of my office," says Dr. Thomas Morris, regional medical director at Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Living community in Ashburn, Va.

All in one place—and down the hall 

Most people move to Erickson Living communities like Windsor Run because everything they need is in one location, including their medical team of physicians and nurses. There is comfort in knowing that a doctor is available right down the hall. Community members may choose to see one of these doctors or continue to work with the doctors they visited prior to their move.

"There is never any pressure to use an Erickson Living health professional," says Windsor Run Director of Sales Tom Senger. "However, there are many benefits to doing so. Because Erickson Living physicians only treat community members, they are able to spend more time getting to know their patients working proactively to set up personal health, fitness, and diet goals, utilizing our fitness center, restaurants, and other resources."

There when you need them

One of the great paradoxes of American medical care is that although we have the best health care in the word, a limited number of health care professionals means doctors are not always available at the time that you need them. 

Medical Economics reports that a Merritt Hawkins survey of physician appointment wait times across the top 15 U.S. metropolitan areas finds that "for primary care physicians, the average appointment wait time is 19.5 days."

However, because physicians at Erickson Living communities only treat community members, they are able to offer 30-minute, same-day appointments to their patients. In fact, last year, Erickson Living communities scheduled more than 34,500 same-day appointments. 

"When you need your doctor, you need your doctor, says Morris. "No one should have to wait, whether they are sick or have a question about their health." 

And this dedication and commitment to not only treating but getting to know patients on a personal level, extends throughout the practice. The Windsor Run medical center will provide 60-minute new patient appointments. And all subsequent appointments will last 30 minutes, allowing physicians the time to address all health needs as well as answer important questions. 

Keeping track

The medical center will also utilize electronic medical records to accurately document appointments and medical or prescription needs. The electronic medical records improve communication between doctors, provide the capacity for drug interaction checks, and prevent mistakes due to all too common undecipherable handwriting and misspellings. 

Should a community member require hospital care, the medical staff on campus will work closely with the hospital, coordinating care through the use of the electronic records and devising a medical plan for when the resident returns home. 

According to the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, "when health care providers have access to complete and accurate information, patients receive better medical care. Electronic health records can improve the ability to diagnose diseases and reduce—even prevent—medical errors, improving patient outcomes."

When Ellen Newman, a community member at Ann's Choice, an Erickson Living community in Bucks County, Pa., suffered a transient ischemic attack—in effect, a ministroke—she received an immediate appointment at the community's medical center.

Upon observation she was sent immediately to the emergency room, where her electronic medical records were waiting for her when she arrived. 

"The doctors had information on my medications, my health history, everything," says Ellen. 

Ellen spent four days in the hospital, during which the campus medical center and the health care team at Ann's Choice were kept abreast of her situation. Afterward, she had a followup appointment with her doctor, an Ann's Choice physician whose office is on campus.

Everyday care

Focusing on proactive care, physicians, in addition to meeting a patient's clinical needs, also offer a personal assessment of a patient's wellness needs. 

"As doctors, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers," says Morris.  "Yes, the blood pressure needs to be okay, and yes, residents need to be well-hydrated. But it's all in the context of what they want to accomplish in their own lives, whether that's watching a grandchild's soccer game or going outside for a walk."

To reach these goals, Windsor Run will offer numerous ways for residents to live a healthy life, including wellness experts at the state-of-the-art fitness center, nutritious menu options in the campus restaurants, and a safe environment that includes emergency pull cords in all apartments. 

"It is all part of what we call a commitment to zero uncertainty," says Senger. "Which, when it comes to health, is the only way to live."