Dr. Lynn Jones
Amid Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), many Tallahassee seniors face the challenge of navigating the confusing web of health care options. This crucial time allows Medicare beneficiaries to review and adjust their coverage to make sure their plan aligns with their evolving needs. But beyond selecting the right plan, older adults need care that fully supports their overall health and well-being, not just their medical conditions.
A recent study found that two-thirds of older adults wish their health care providers would spend more time discussing their personal health-related goals, such as maintaining mobility, preventing disease, managing pain, and addressing their concerns. Too often, these important conversations are overshadowed by discussions about managing conditions or medications.
This is where Capital Health Plan’s Nancy Van Vessem, M.D., Center for Healthy Aging steps in as a vital resource. Named after a visionary Tallahassee physician who was dedicated to improving health care for seniors, the center provides a comprehensive approach to aging that focuses on more than just medical treatment. It’s about enhancing the overall quality of life by offering personalized, holistic care that addresses older adults’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
While advanced health care has made incredible strides in extending life expectancy, the challenge today is improving the healthspan — the number of years people spend in good health. For older adults, the goal is not only to live longer but to live better, remaining able to do the things they love for as long as possible.
By addressing both the immediate health needs of seniors and their long-term wellness, innovative care models like those offered at CHP’s Center for Healthy Aging are taking steps toward improving the healthspan of Tallahassee’s aging population.
At the heart of the center’s approach is a “4Ms” framework to ensure that each patient’s care is tailored to their unique needs and priorities. By understanding What Matters to each patient, the center makes sure their personal goals drive health care decisions. The center also emphasizes managing Medications to avoid complications from complex drug regimens. Promoting Mobility is key to maintaining independence and reducing the risk of falls. And Mentation (cognitive health) utilizes routine cognitive screening and depression screenings to help detect issues early and maintain mental sharpness.
The Center for Healthy Aging is more than just a health care facility — it’s a community resource dedicated to empowering older adults to live their healthiest, fullest lives. As we approach the Annual Enrollment Period, CHP’s center also offers guidance on navigating Medicare options, ensuring that seniors make informed decisions about their coverage that align with their priorities. With individualized care, the center helps them navigate the complexities of aging with confidence, dignity, and the right support.
As health care continues to evolve, it’s essential that we prioritize the unique needs of older adults. The Center for Healthy Aging is leading the way by providing care that not only addresses medical conditions but also enriches the quality of life for seniors — helping them achieve their health goals and maintain their independence.
Dr. Lynn Jones is an internal medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.
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