As people age, health care becomes a daily need. Her OU Health and Epworth Villa retirement community in northwest Oklahoma City has partnered to provide health care for seniors.
Age is an important number when it comes to our health. Jennifer Cushman, Epworth Villa's chief nursing officer, and Dr. Lee Jennings, OU's director of geriatrics, are committed to caring for seniors and helping them enjoy life.
“I feel like there’s a collective wisdom that they bring to the table,” Jennings said. “We want to maximize not just lifespan, but healthspan. I love it. I'm always learning something new from my patients.”
According to the Department of Human Services, there are approximately 875,877 adults age 60 and older in Oklahoma. “There's clearly a need in the community,” Jennings said.
The partnership between Epworth Villa and OU Health will provide aged care services and a new clinic based at the Epworth Villa campus. “[Epworth is] It’s a place where people can grow old in place,” Cushman said. “I'm very interested in this clinic.”
Just a few finishing touches before the patient comes in next week. This location provides future doctors and medical professionals at Osaka University with an opportunity to learn the ropes of the job. “This is also a real opportunity for us,” Jennings said. “It’s a great opportunity for our trainees to be a part of it.”
Cushman had no intention of sacrificing her 30 years as a nurse. “I feel like I’m making a difference every day,” Cushman said. “They bring joy and depth to my life that I can't get anywhere else.”
Cushman will be part of a new, open door for healthy living as we age. Jennings said she hopes to open the clinic to other area residents soon.
According to OU Health, the clinic will provide primary care services for older adults, diagnostic visits for patients with cognitive concerns, and specialized geriatric care for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, especially those with behavioral symptoms and safety concerns. We plan to provide
- Arthritis-related pain and mobility concerns
- Balance and fall prevention
- brain health
- burden on caregivers
- Complex care with multiple symptoms
- Depression/mood disorders that affect daily life
- Difficulty in daily life due to cognitive or motor skills problems
- driving concerns
- healthy aging and prevention
- Drug interactions and side effects
- Memory concerns or abnormal cognitive screens requiring further evaluation
- Conversations about goals of care and the need for advance care planning
- Polypharmacy or high-risk drug use
If you have medical needs or have a loved one who needs comprehensive geriatric care, you can schedule an appointment at OU Health – Geriatrics at Epworth Villa by calling (405) 486-1372 .
