According to a study released by the Oxford Journal of Medicine in 2003, American doctors spend an average of just over 11 minutes per visit with their patients. But at Erickson on-site Medical Centers, doctors spend an average of twenty-five minutes with each patient— more than double the national average!
“Our doctors specialize in how to take the best care of people in their retirement years,” John Erickson, CEO and founder of Erickson Retirement Communities says. “We found out that, sure enough, because the doctor spent more time, we had a lot fewer hospitalizations in our communities.”
Matt Narrett
, M.D., chief medical officer of Erickson Communities says, “No matter how good your relationship with your doctor, the odds are he’s being overwhelmed by his patient load.” Erickson doctors have a smaller patient load. He adds, “Physicians nationwide have practices trying to serve up to 2,000 patients. In the Erickson system, on-site doctors each handle no more than 400 patients.”
A better way to look at health care
Erickson founded the health system on the fact that health care is better than sick-care. “For example, it’s a whole lot better to find out that you’ve got a balance condition and start rehabilitation than wait until you fall and have a hip fracture,” Erickson says.
And Wind Crest will be able to meet many of the growing needs of their residents by offering health care from Erickson’s Home Health professionals. If you are ever hospitalized, you’ll discover one of the major advantages of the Erickson HealthSM system; you may be able to return home and be cared for there by the on-site Home Health professionals. People seem to recover more quickly in a comfortable, familiar setting.
Erickson communities give its residents health care options—from doctors to prescription plans. And conveniently, residents can continue to use their own doctors and their own health care coverage.
A more fulfilling life
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans are living longer. Since 1900, the average life expectancy has increased 30 years.
“Erickson communities, including Wind Crest, are all about people staying involved and engaged in life, leading to less use of Extended Care services.” Thorne-Dhieux says.
For more information or specific questions about the many health care options offered at Wind Crest, call Retirement Counselor Molly Thorne- Dhieux at 1-800-834-7188.