New option for older adults and health care
AdventHealth Well 65+, a medical practice dedicated to tailored primary care for people aged 65 and older, hosted a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 13 at its new facility, 12400 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, according to a news release.
The new option focuses on the important role of specialized primary care for older adults.
“AdventHealth Well 65+ is committed to addressing these specific needs by providing comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each person,” said Dr. Heather Vermilyea, in the release.
“Our team’s focus on personalized care plans ensures older adults receive the attention and support necessary to maintain their health and vitality,” said Vermilyea.
Additionally, AdventHealth Well 65+ specializes in senior mental health and the contributing factors for those issues, including chronic health conditions, stress, substance abuse, isolation and loneliness.
The facility has a dedicated social worker on site to provide added emotional support and counseling.
For more information or to schedule appointments, visit AdventHealthWell65Plus.com, or call 407-809-5457.
Department of Health holiday closures
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) offices will be closed on Dec. 29, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. Offices will reopen on Jan. 3 with regularly scheduled hours.
Vaccination recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reaching out to health care providers and clinicians to encourage them to recommend all patients receive all respiratory immunizations they are eligible for, according to a news release.
Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing, yet vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low, the release says.
Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.
The CDC on Dec. 14 issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to raise awareness about respiratory illness activity and urge action. COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly and since the summer, public health officials have been tracking a rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is caused by COVID-19.
To increase vaccination coverage, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to people who are uninsured and underinsured through the Bridge Access Program.
With the upswing of influenza activity and RSV activity that remains high in many areas, strain on the health care system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care. Low rates of vaccinations also could lead to more days of missed work and school.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/mr2hp7yv.
Life-changing surgeries
As part of a nationwide effort to help patients with debilitating joint conditions improve their quality of life, AdventHealth Carrollwood, the Florida Orthopaedic Institute and the Pioneer Medical Foundation have joined forces for a third year to provide 25 Tampa Bay area patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or be able to afford surgery on their own with free hip and knee replacements, according to a hospital news release.
Dr. Brian Palumbo has led the effort to involve all three organizations to participate in the program and said it is helping to fill a critical need.
“When we talk about procedures that can really enable and get patients back to functioning, there’s nothing better than a hip or knee replacement,” Palumbo said in the release.
“The incidence of hip and knee arthritis, severe disease which requires a joint replacement, is rising almost exponentially,” the doctor said. “There’s actually a shortage of joint replacement surgeons that’s expected in the next decade or so. It’s certainly a potential issue in the future for the United States.”
AdventHealth Carrollwood will provide nearly 200 staff volunteers to help complete the surgeries, which will all take place on Jan. 6. Patients said the opportunity to have these free surgeries will be life-changing for them.
Elder-Abuse Protections
The personal finance website WalletHub has released its annual report on the States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections, shedding light on the importance of recognizing that the elderly population, who often rely on a fixed income, are particularly vulnerable to financial, emotional and physical abuse.
WalletHub’s findings include:
Elder-Abuse Protections in Florida (1=Best; 25=Average)
Second — Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect & Exploitation Complaints*
15th — Nursing Homes Quality
17th — Total Expenditures on Legal Assistance Development per Residents aged 65+ years
27th — Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen*
30th — Total Expenditures on Elder-Abuse Prevention*
*per resident aged 65+
Overall, Florida was ranked 26th.
Here are tips for spotting signs of elder financial abuse, the release says:
- Watch for unusual bank or credit card activity. Be alert to unexplained or sudden changes in an older adult’s financial situation, such as significant withdrawals, transfers or expenditures, as well as unusual ATM use or unfamiliar purchases.
- Be wary of new or unusual “friends.” Watch for new acquaintances who seem overly interested in the older person’s finance or property.
- Keep an eye on social media and internet use. Monitor the elder’s social media profile (and email accounts) for suspicious connections and posts that may divulge personal information to others.
- Pay attention to changes in legal documents. Watch for changes in wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other legal documents that appear to benefit someone other than the older individual.
- Be mindful of changes in behavior. Pay attention to the older person appearing more fearful, anxious or secretive about their finances, or isolating themselves from or avoiding family and friends.
- Take note of any decline in personal care conditions. Poor living conditions, lack of necessary medical care or improper nutrition may suggest that financial resources are not being used for the person’s well-being.
For a full report and information, visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-best-elder-abuse-protection/28754.
