Are you passionate about senior health and thinking about a career change? Careers in senior care and the demand for senior care professionals are only growing daily. Why is this? According to the World Health Organization, or the WHO, there were 1 billion seniors aged 60 and older in the world in 2020, and this number is predicted to double by 2050, resulting in 2.1 billion seniors in the world [1]. This calls for a greater need for senior care professionals who can effectively help manage the health of the growing number of seniors. Although this prospective career may be a practical and appealing step in your journey, it is vital that you properly assess your passion for and level of expertise in senior health to find the right job in this space. This blog post will discuss a handful of common roles in senior care, how to find the right job for you, and other tips!

Common Senior Care Job Opportunities

When it comes to senior care jobs, there are a handful of possibilities and opportunities to choose from. It’s all about choosing what is best geared toward your passions, interests, and areas of expertise. Some of the most common senior care job opportunities include: 

1. 1. Primary Care Physician or Nurse: There is, of course, always a need for primary care physicians and nurses for individuals of all ages. However, seniors often have more health issues than younger individuals, due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions [2]. This means that primary care physicians and nurses who focus particularly on geriatric health and care play a crucial role in the health of a large population in need of specialized care. Individuals in these professions must perform more complex and advanced medical care, such as administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and coordinating care plans for their patients. 
   2. Caregiver: Being a caregiver or personal care assistant encompasses providing hands-on assistance with daily tasks that seniors may struggle with due to health concerns, like bathing, cooking, cleaning, dressing, and moving around. Caregivers also offer seniors companionship and social support, which is endlessly important for their health and well-being. 

• Home Health Aide: A home health aide is similar to a caregiver, but with more of a focus on housekeeping and activities of daily living, to ensure that seniors get all of their responsibilities completed with ease. It also may include medical tasks like taking the senior’s pulse and temperature. 

• Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist: Physical therapists and Occupational therapists help elderly patients improve their mobility, strength, and independence. Physical therapists accomplish this by teaching their patients physical exercises that enhance overall movement and eliminate pain and discomfort. Occupational therapists accomplish this by teaching their patients adaptations and activities that can improve their daily functioning, like how to bathe without straining their back, how to modify their home environment for ease of mobility, and how to cope with difficult emotions that may be affecting their mental health. 

1. 1. Social Worker: Social workers in senior care assist their clients and their families navigate healthcare systems, access important resources, and provide emotional support for mental health concerns they may be experiencing. 

• Nutritionist: Professionals in nutrition help seniors create healthier diets that may improve existing medical conditions and prevent new conditions from developing by educating them about nutrition and healthy eating. 

How to Find Senior Care Jobs

If any of the jobs mentioned previously sparked interest, you may be ready to move on to finding an open position and getting your foot in the door. This can be exciting, but daunting. Here are some tips to help you navigate how to find a senior care job: 

1. Research the Industry

• Just like there are many different types of senior care jobs, there are also many different senior care settings. Consider all your options, and whether you’d prefer to work in someone’s home, a rehabilitation center, a hospital, a doctor’s office, or somewhere completely different. 
• Do your research on the industry and what jobs are most prevalent. See if this research matches your personal goals and preferences. 

2. Identify Your Strengths and Preferences

• Once you have determined what kinds of positions and environments you’d prefer, it’s time to assess what makes you suited to work in senior care. In other words, what makes you stand out? 
• Think about your “why.” Why do you have such a big passion for senior care? 
• Determine your skills, experiences, and personal attributes that help show your expertise in this field. 

3. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

• Now, it’s time to get detailed. Update your resume and tailor it to fit the types of jobs and positions you are applying for. Highlight your past experiences that helped you gain the skills necessary for a senior care job. For example, did you ever work in a position where you had to be patient with people? Have you worked in a healthcare setting and cared for patients? Do you have a degree of knowledge of medical terminology and conditions, or even a medical degree? These are great things to highlight in your resume, and even better things to expand on in your cover letter!
• A good trick to keep in mind when writing your resume is to focus on your experiences and skills, and when writing your cover letter is to focus on your passion. This way, those in the field reading your resume can see both sides of your personality — professional and passionate/personal. Don’t forget to include certifications, volunteer work, hard/soft skills, and any other details you find fitting!

4. Utilize Job Search Platforms

• Nowadays, there are plenty of job search platforms that are overflowing with new job posts each day. When navigating these sites, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But, with organization and utilization of the tools they often provide, job searching can be simple. 
• Use the “filter” feature to sift through jobs based on location, level of experience, salary, and more. This way, you won’t see jobs that are out of your maximum travel distance, or below your salary requirements. 
• Dedicate time each day to job search using these platforms. You can either set an alarm for a certain amount of time each day or set a “job alert” notification on the platform, which will notify you every time a job you may be interested in is posted. 

5. Network with Professionals in the Field

• Connections are an amazing way to get your foot in the door, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in the field already. If you know anyone who is working in the type of job you desire, or something similar, ask to have a chat with them. Don’t open the conversation asking for a referral — just see if they are available for a casual chat about the field and willing to provide any advice. You may end the conversation with more insight on your search, or if you’re lucky, a referral to an open position!
• Attending industry events, webinars, and conferences is a great way to meet professionals in the field and make lasting connections. Everyone loves meeting like-minded individuals — meeting others with a passion for senior care can feel inspiring and may give you some guidance on the next steps in your professional journey. 

6. Prepare for Interviews

• So, you’ve gotten an interview. Congratulations! It is important to prepare before your interview, no matter how preliminary or casual it is. Practice your elevator pitch and talking about your past experiences, and run through your answers to common interview questions. Some common questions include: 
  • Tell me about yourself and your experience. 
  • What led you to apply for this position? 
  • Why are you passionate about senior care? 
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
• In an interview, it is important to come off as poised and confident, but also human. Try your best to connect with your interviewer and bond over your passion for senior care. Be warm and show the attributes that make you a great fit for the position.

7. Evaluate Potential Employers

• Employers will assess your capabilities in an interview, but you should also remember to assess them back. The last thing you want is to work for a company that does not align with your values and needs. Some factors you should consider when choosing a senior care employer are: 
  • Reputation: look up this company and read reviews on it, both from employees and customers/clients/patients. Make sure that the company is viewed in an overall positive light, and was not involved in any legal issues or concerning happenings. 
  • Work Culture: The work you do is important, but so is the culture you will be part of. Ask your potential employer about what they do to implement a positive company culture. You should feel as though you fit into this company culture. 
  • Benefits: Does this employer offer health insurance? Dental insurance? Family plans? A 401k? These are all good things to figure out before accepting an offer, depending on what benefits are important to you. 
  • Hours: Make sure you know what hours you will be working before you accept a job offer. Many senior care jobs may include weekend work hours, overtime, or work on holidays. Ask yourself whether the hours your employer presents to you are appropriate for your needs. 
• Asking your employer about these factors during the interview process is encouraged. However, it is important to also do your research. You can search for company reviews on sites like Glassdoor.com or Indeed.com, for example. 

Apply for a Job in Senior Care at Greater Good Health

If you have a passion for senior care and are searching for a position, look no further! Greater Good Health invests in building strong and talented teams of individuals with one main thing in common: their devotion to senior health care. Check out Greater Good Health’s career page to learn more and see if you’d be a good fit!

As we age, the experience of feeling persistent pain is unfortunately widespread. For seniors, managing pain isn’t just about relieving physical discomfort; it can have a lasting impact on one’s physical health, mobility, and quality of life. There are a handful of reasons why seniors experience pain at a higher prevalence than younger adults, including chronic conditions, age-related inflammation, and a higher susceptibility to falls. Understanding the importance of addressing pain appropriately is endlessly valuable for this population of individuals. This blog post will help you understand the types of pain experienced by older adults, what challenges this pain may cause, and strategies for pain management. Let’s work towards a pain-free future! 

Understanding Pain in Older Adults

Seniors can experience many different types of pain in almost any area of the body. However, there are a few types of pain that are most commonly experienced by older adults. These types of pain include[1]: 

• Joint pain in the fingers, knees, hips, and spine
• Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Nerve pain

Seniors may experience these common types of pain, as well as other more uncommon types of pain, for a variety of reasons. For example, seniors naturally experience disease and chronic conditions at a higher rate than younger adults [2]. Although not all these diseases and disorders are inherently painful, some may bring on pain symptoms. The rate of injury and surgery is also higher among the senior population [3], which typically causes pain during recovery. Some other factors that influence pain perception and management in seniors include: 

• Physiological Changes: Aging can cause pain receptors to become more sensitive, affecting seniors’ perception of a specific ailment’s pain. For example, studies show that aging decreases one’s pain tolerance [4], which can make pain feel more unbearable to seniors. 

• Psychological Changes: The negative emotions and stress associated with psychological conditions like anxiety and depression, which are common in older adults, can amplify pain perception [5]. Likewise, chronic pain can also bring about negative emotions —- and the cycle continues. 

• Environmental Factors: A senior’s level of social support, living environment, and access to regular care can greatly impact how they experience and manage pain. Social isolation, financial constraints, and a lack of a caregiver can all exacerbate pain and leave it untreated. 

• Medication: Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can complicate pain management and exacerbate other symptoms due to drug interactions and side effects [6]. 

Common Challenges of Managing Pain in Older Adults

Pain management can be disrupted or feel impossible due to a handful of challenges that older adults face. Some of these common challenges include: 

• Communication Barriers: Age-related communication barriers, such as hearing loss, language barriers, or cognitive decline, can make seniors unable to effectively communicate how they feel to their caregivers and loved ones. Because of this, seniors may be suffering from pain in silence and feel unsure of how to make their pain heard. 

• • Comorbidities: It is not abnormal for seniors to experience multiple conditions simultaneously. If more than one condition causes painful symptoms, seniors may feel overwhelmed by the pain they are experiencing. 

• Underreporting of Pain: Many seniors view pain as a natural sign of aging. They may believe that all seniors feel the same amount of pain they do, or that their pain will pass with time. Although pain is common in seniors, not reporting it until it becomes unbearable can put their lives at risk. Reporting pain early helps with intervention at a state in which the possible disorder or problem is more likely to be cured or managed effectively. 

• Fear of Addiction and Side Effects: Concerns about the possibility of becoming dependent or addicted to painkillers, or experiencing harmful side effects, are common in seniors. Many seniors may feel like agreeing to take painkillers means handing over their control over their health, or may feed into the existing stigma of taking painkillers.

What is a Pain Management Physician [7]?

A pain management physician is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in treating different types of pain. They focus on diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of pain so that those affected can feel as though pain doesn’t run their lives. Pain management physicians must go through specialized training to become experts in managing chronic, acute, and cancer-related pain. 

Pain management physicians play a large role in caring for older adults with chronic pain, as they conduct comprehensive assessments, discuss treatment options, help manage medication, and provide personalized care for their patients, ensuring their lives are as pain-free as possible. 

Physician Strategies for Managing Pain in Older Adults

Pain management physicals employ the following practices and strategies for helping seniors manage their chronic pain:

Comprehensive Assessments

• Pain management physicians always conduct thorough assessments so that they can better understand the causes, symptoms, and severity of a senior’s pain. They not only assess physical factors that may be causing pain but also look towards possible psychological and social factors that may have brought this pain on. A thorough evaluation is important so that the physician can assess which treatment style may be best for the particular patient’s lifestyle, preferences, and condition. 

Multimodal Approach

• Patients are offered a wide range of treatment options when seeking care from a pain management physician. Many may assume that the only pain treatment is medication, but this is a common misconception. Along with medication, pain management physicians will likely also offer treatment options like interventional procedures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological therapies [8]. 

Medication Management

• Because seniors typically have more than one medical condition, they are likely to take more than one medication. Pain management physicians are professionally trained to prescribe and manage pain medications safely while minimizing risks like drug interactions and dangerous side effects. Some types of medications that are typically used for chronic pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, COX-2 inhibitors, opioids, and anti-depressants. For seniors, especially, having a doctor available to answer medication questions, discuss side effects, and create a treatment plan is extremely important. 

Addressing Polypharmacy and Drug Interactions

• When seniors coordinate care with their physicians and make sure they properly grasp their medication information, polypharmacy risks are reduced. This way, seniors can hopefully end up taking fewer medications rather than more, therefore reducing the risk of side effects and interactions. Regular medication review and reconciliation are vital for optimal treatment options and to ensure the safety of all patients.

When to Seek Primary Care for the Management of Pain in Older Adults

If you are a senior who has been experiencing persistent pain for more than 3 months, it is time to seek help from a professional in pain management. Primary care physicians can effectively assess the causes of chronic pain and help formulate long-term management techniques. Additionally, if your pain has increased in severity and has become more and more uncomfortable, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. 

Timely intervention is the golden rule when it comes to pain management — getting help sooner rather than later is always the right choice. Through regular check-ups and check-ins with your doctor, you can easily keep track of whether your pain has worsened or a new condition has arisen. 

Older Adult Pain Management in Primary Care at Greater Good

Here at Greater Good Health, we integrate pain management services into primary care for older adults. If you are a senior struggling with chronic pain, find a clinic near you or contact us for assistance!

Starting a brand new medication comes with a sense of hopefulness that it will support and improve your condition. On the other hand, it also often comes with a slew of worries and concerns about side effects, correct dosages, and potential mishaps. As a senior especially, it is imperative to take your medication correctly, on time, and in the correct dosages to prevent dangerous and potentially life-threatening medication errors. Today, we are here to walk you through all the different types of mistakes and some tips on preventing medication errors, so you can take your medications and treat your conditions worry-free!

Common Medication Errors in Seniors

According to a study aiming to determine the most common medication errors among elderly individuals, results showed that about 50% of respondents reported skipping dosages, taking them incorrectly, or not taking them as frequently as their doctors directed [1]. Likewise, seniors make the most calls to the National Poisons Information Service because of medication mistakes [2].

When doctors and healthcare professionals prescribe medications to seniors, they expect seniors to take them correctly so that they work effectively. Not only do medication errors make medication significantly less likely to take effect in treating one’s condition, but they can also cause dangerous adverse events that drastically alter a senior’s health for the worse. This is why it is endlessly important for seniors to clarify instructions with their doctors, confirm that they understand how to take the medication, make the strongest effort to take it as prescribed, and reach out for help if they are having trouble in any way. 

Some of the most common types of medication errors among seniors include: 

• Misunderstanding or Ignoring Dosing Requirements: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 102,384 reported deaths caused by drug overdoses in the United States in January of 2024 [3]. Although many attribute overdoses to non-prescription drugs, prescription drugs account for a great deal of overdose deaths [4]. Misunderstanding or ignoring prescription dosage requirements, taking too much of a medication, or taking doses too close together in time, can cause an overdose. 

• Medication Interaction Risk: Healthcare professionals ask for a list of all medications and supplements you take for a reason. Medications often interact with one another, and can either cause the new medication not to work correctly, harmful side effects to occur, or new conditions to arise. 

• Food or Substance Interaction Risk: Similar to medication interactions, food or substance interactions can also occur when introducing a new medication. For example, grapefruit is a common food that interacts with many types of medications and lowers their effectiveness, such as drugs for high blood pressure, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms [5]. Additionally, alcoholic drinks also often interact with medications and can intensify side effects [6]. 

• Errors in Taking Medication: Taking medications the incorrect way, such as taking it on an empty stomach when prescribing information recommends you to eat or drink water before administration, stopping a medication too soon, or taking it in the morning instead of at night, can all alter the medication’s effectiveness and lead to complications. 

How to Prevent Medication Errors in Seniors

Mistakes happen, but you must do everything in your power to prevent medication errors, as these errors can majorly affect your health and even be life-threatening. Here are some tips to help you stay organized and avoid errors: 

1. Create a Comprehensive Medication List

Maintaining an ongoing and updated list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins, is helpful for both you and your doctor. You should bring this list to appointments and show it to your doctor so they can recommend only medications that do not interact with your existing prescriptions. Likewise, feel free to research interactions and ask your doctor informed questions. Your list should contain the name of your medication (ideally the brand name and the generic name), the prescribed dose, the instructions for taking the medication, and the condition you take the medication to treat. Additionally, you can list any side effects or complications you experience while taking this medication. Share this list with your doctor, family, and/or caregiver so they know about what medications you are taking [7]. 

2. Use a Pill Organizer

Instead of opening and closing pill bottles every day, it may be helpful to organize your pills into a pill organizer at the start of each week. This may be especially helpful if you take many medications at once. Most pill organizers contain sections labeled for each day of the week, some even including a morning container and a night container. To organize your pills, reference your medication list and make sure you are putting in the correct amount and dose of each pill. Load the pills in one at a time, and triple-check that everything is correct. 

• IMPORTANT TIPS: Only put pills you take every day on a scheduled basis in the pill container. Leave out pills you only take when you need them, like painkillers. Additionally, make sure that the pills are safe to put in a pill box — some medications, like oral chemotherapy, cannot be put in pill cases. Finally, if you need help or feel confused when filling your pill case, always ask for the help of someone with access to your prescriptions or medication list, like a trusted caregiver [8]. 

3. Set up Reminders

It can be easy to forget to take your pills or believe you took them out of routine when you did not. To avoid missing a dose or taking an extra dose by accident, set reminders to take your medication and confirm when you have taken it. The Apple “reminders” app, Google calendar, a physical checklist or calendar, or this pill reminder app can all be used to manage reminders on when and how to take your medications. 

4. Become Educated About Each Medication

Medications can be confusing. There are different doses, instructions on when to take each dose, things not to do while on each medication, and prescriptions to remember to refill. To seek accurate information and clarifications on the medications you are taking, always contact your doctor directly. Online research can be good for helping you think of questions to ask your doctor, but information can sometimes be false, which is why it should never be taken as concrete advice. Your doctor is equipped with important information on the medications you take, so utilize them as a resource! They also personally know you as a patient and can make informed decisions based on your lifestyle and preferences. 

5. Regularly Review Medications with Healthcare Providers

Regular medication reviews with healthcare providers, like doctors or pharmacists, can help clear up any confusion or discrepancies that may have arisen. Healthcare providers should perform medication reconciliation, which is a process that includes comparing your current list of medications to the list of medication(s) they are planning on prescribing you, making clinical and informed decisions based on the two lists, and then communicating the new combined list with you and your caregivers. This process is crucial for ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your medication plans [9]

How Does Senior Primary Care Target Medication Error Prevention?

Seniors 65 years or older typically take more medications than younger adults [10]. This is because seniors are at greater risk for developing chronic conditions. Managing multiple medications at once can be difficult for seniors to take care of on their own, which is why errors are likely to occur. This is where senior primary care comes into play. Senior primary care integrates medication management into part of their regular services so that seniors can rest assured that they are in good hands and can trust their doctor’s medication administration and treatment recommendations.  

Medication Management for Seniors at Greater Good

Greater Good Health provides medication management as part of every senior’s primary care. Seniors can be confident that their medication plan is being managed efficiently and effectively, leaving little room for error with the correct protocol. Click here to find a clinic near you to get started on your senior primary care journey!

Holistic health is more than just taking care of your physical being — it is about feeling supported, valued, and truly alive. Instead of treating symptoms, holistic primary care pays careful attention to the health of all parts of you. This is especially imperative for seniors, who often face mental and emotional health issues due to an increase in physical health issues. Holistic primary care honors the individuality of every senior’s health, providing them with the care they deserve to nourish their mind, body, and soul. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Holistic Primary Care?

Have you ever felt like you are only seen for your health ailments, and not for the whole person you are? This feeling is the difference between primary care and holistic primary care. Regular primary care helps you understand, manage, and treat your physical health conditions but seldom focuses on the effects your condition may have on your mental and emotional health, or how these parts of your health impact your life in general. Holistic primary care, on the other hand, has a focus on the whole person. 

What does this mean, exactly? Instead of only focusing on treating physical health conditions, holistic primary care looks at your physical health, emotions, lifestyle, and environment to help make informed decisions on keeping you healthy and happy. Instead of taking care of problems as they arise, holistic primary care aims to prevent issues before they begin and help you live the best life you possibly can, in all areas. It is like having a mentor and friend cheering you on, making sure you are not only surviving but are truly thriving! 

It is important to note a common misconception that holistic medicine and herbal medicine equate to one another — this is not true. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, herbal medicine or remedies refer to replacing modern medicine with herbs, botanicals, or detoxes [1]. Although holistic primary care physicians may incorporate some natural remedies, this is not all that holistic care is. Holistic primary care encompasses so much more than this and targets more parts of the individual, which is vital to understand when considering holistic primary care. 

The Core Principles of Holistic Primary Care

Holistic primary care centers around a handful of core principles, including: 

• Prevention: Instead of waiting for health issues to arise to start treating them, holistic primary care focuses on preventing ailments before they have a chance to show up. To take preventive measures, holistic primary care implements this through preventive screenings, regular check-ups, and health education.

• Patient-Centered Care: In holistic primary care, patients aren’t just told what to do about their health and aren’t expected to listen without question. Instead, they are active participants in their health journey. Providers listen to their concerns, answer questions, and take their preferences and goals seriously when creating a health plan and making important decisions. This often results in higher patient satisfaction and positive attitudes towards primary care [2]. 

• Multiple Facets of Health: Holistic primary care does not view health as simply physical health. It involves the whole person and considers the many facets of health, including physical, mental, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and environmental factors. By understanding a patient’s entire health, the healthcare provider can make more informed decisions based on their unique needs. 

• Integration of Modalities: Holistic primary care combines conventional medicine with alternative and novel therapies, which are constantly evolving and improving as the years go by. For example, healthcare physicians who practice holistic primary care may recommend acupuncture, nutrition counseling, or meditation based on a patient’s specific needs and concerns [3]. 

The Benefits of Holistic Primary Care for Seniors

There are many benefits of holistic primary care for seniors, including but not limited to: 

• Empowerment: By helping patients understand their needs and giving them an active role in their healthcare journey, holistic primary care providers give patients a sense of empowerment and confidence. Patients can feel sure that they have full control over their health with holistic primary care. 

• Strong Relationship Between Patient and Provider: Patients are more likely to trust and enjoy the time spent with their primary care provider when the provider establishes active communication and takes the patient’s needs into account when making decisions. This increases a patient’s satisfaction with their care and improves their willingness to make regular appointments because they feel their provider has their best interest in mind for their overall health. 

• Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing preventive measures and addressing health concerns and dangers early makes holistic care cost-effective. By taking precautions and reducing the risk of developing serious health conditions, patients may avoid having to pay high prices for treatments and hospitalizations in the future [4]. 

Comprehensive Approach to Health

Holistic health and primary care encompasses multiple facets of health, including: 

• Physical Health: This part of your overall health involves anything that has to do with the effective functionality of your body. This includes the health of all your bodily systems, such as the circulatory, cardiovascular, skeletal, renal, nervous, digestive, and immune systems. 

• Mental Health: This part of health pertains to your psychological well-being, influencing how you think, feel, and behave in everyday life. This involves the potential presence of mental disorders, how you deal with stress, and how you perceive the world. 

• Emotional Health: This part of your health is characterized by how well you manage your emotions, cope with negative feelings, and maintain a positive outlook on life. It involves being aware of your emotions and expressing them healthily. 

• Spiritual Health: This part of your health refers to your sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something larger than yourself. This could mean religious faith for some, but can also pertain to personal values or a connection with nature and humanity. 

• Social Health: Finally, this part of your overall health has to do with the quality of your relationships with those around you, your interactions, and your sense of belonging to a community. 

Personalized Care Plans

Holistic primary care physicians work hard to create care plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. For example, if a senior patient has had a history of joint pain and trouble with mobility, their physician may recommend a regimen of light physical exercises and weekly visits to a physical therapist to maintain this area of their health and reduce the risk of these pains developing into something harder to treat. They may recommend another patient who has reported feeling lonely lately to attend some community events or join a club at their local YMCA. And, they may advise another patient who finds themselves getting agitated and crying often to seek help from a mental health therapist. Notice how these care plans are all different because they target personal areas of a person’s health that may be at risk. This is what holistic primary care is all about—individual needs, goals, and preferences. 

It is important that patients feel educated and inclined to speak up if they don’t feel comfortable with a certain health decision their primary care doctor makes. For example, if a doctor recommends a medication for pre-diabetes, but the patient feels strongly against it, the doctor and the patient as a team may make a plan for the patient to try a strict healthy diet and check in after a few weeks to see if symptoms decreased. This way, the patient’s health is being taken care of while still having them be an active decision maker in their health journey. 

Preventive Care and Disease Management

Holistic health focuses deeply on preventative care and disease management to promote wellness, longevity, and quality of life. This means that patients will be encouraged to make regular check-ups and health screening appointments to catch any potential illnesses early. This also encompasses managing chronic conditions effectively, often with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. 

Coordination of Care

Holistic primary care ensures quality coordination of care, which means there is seamless communication between the patient and their healthcare provider[s]. This coordination extends beyond their primary care physician. Primary care physicians will assess their patient’s needs and coordinate a care plan with other specialists, such as physical therapists, mental health counselors, optometrists, cardiologists, and more, to ensure that their patient receives the specialized care they need. 

The primary care physician will act as the central point of contact, overseeing their patient’s treatment plan and collaborating with specialists in their network. Patients can expect to receive regular updates about their care and be actively involved in decision-making regarding their treatment. 

This process assures patients that there will be no fragmentation in their healthcare delivery, allowing them to be confident in their healthcare system.  

Lifestyle Management and Education

Because holistic primary care looks beyond the realm of physical health and into the various parts of a person’s overall well-being, patients will gain knowledge on healthy habits and behaviors through their appointments. Holistic primary care physicians are trained to provide educated insight into the behaviors and practices their patients should perform to optimize their health. They will also champion seniors to take control of their health, confirming that they can make changes to their lifestyle that can positively impact their well-being. 

One of the most important practices that holistic primary care physicians provide is resources for self-care and self-management. Seniors will learn about all the possibilities of treatments for their condition so that they can learn how to manage their condition on their own (of course, with supervision from their primary care provider.) This gives seniors a sense of autonomy and control over their bodies. These resources include written pamphlets, health coaching, self-tracking tools, and/or wellness classes. 

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Although the media often paints being a senior citizen as a stress-free time where seniors can relax and feel content with their lives, this is not the case for all. In reality, many seniors face mental health concerns stemming from loneliness and isolation, a perceived lack of purpose, the death of family and/or friends, and health-related stress [5]. 

These mental health concerns can be effectively managed with proper treatment recommendations, such as therapy, medication, and positive support systems. Mental and emotional support is vital for overall health, which is why this is an important pillar of holistic primary care. 

Holistic Primary Care Physicians for Seniors at Greater Good

Greater Good Health commits to providing quality holistic primary care for all seniors. Our holistic primary care physicians offer specialized services to seniors, ensuring that they receive the personal care they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about holistic primary care at Greater Good Health!

So, you’ve decided to take charge of your health and schedule an appointment for a preventive health screening. First off, give yourself a pat on the back! Making smart decisions about your health, especially as a senior, is something to be proud of. Although you are on the right path, you may feel confused or anxious about your preventive health screening, especially if it is your first one. Don’t worry, this is normal. But, we are here to help. In this blog post, we will walk you through what to expect during a senior preventive health screening, from the moment you step in to sign in at the front desk until you’re out the door. 

What is a Preventive Health Screening?

If this is your first preventive health screening, you may be unsure of what this appointment entails. A “preventive health screening” can be considered an umbrella term encompassing a group of tests that can help provide insights into your well-being and raise awareness for any concerns. The tests involved in preventive health checkups and screenings may differ depending on patient characteristics, but the most common often include [1]: 

• Blood Pressure Screening: This screening checks if you have high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and strokes. There are often minimal noticeable symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is important to get it screened. 
• Cholesterol Test: High cholesterol can increase your chances of heart disease and strokes. This test measures your levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, along with HDL, or “good cholesterol, and triglycerides. 
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer is extremely common, but preventable with early detection through screening methods like colonoscopies, stool tests, and sigmoidoscopies. 
• Mammography: Breast cancer screenings, or mammograms, are X-rays of the breast tissue that can detect breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. Doctors recommend that women get regular mammograms starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on their risk factors. They also encourage self-examinations. 
• Pap Smear: The pap test, or pap smear, is performed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can be a sign of the development of cervical cancer. Women should begin getting regular pap smears each year starting at age 21 and continuing until age 65. 
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests measure the level of PSA in your blood. A heightened PSA level could indicate prostate cancer, although test results should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 
• Bone Density Screening: Bone density scans assess the risk of fractures and/or diagnose osteoporosis. These tests are performed on women 65 and older and men 70 and older. 
• Diabetes Screening: This screening may be a fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, or hemoglobin A1c test. The early detection and treatment of diabetes can help prevent heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. 

Detecting potential issues early is imperative to properly take care of your health. The sooner you screen, the better — many disorders can be properly treated and managed when detected in the early stages. 

The Importance of Preventive Health Screenings for Older Adults

Being a senior comes with many health hardships. Seniors are more susceptible to illnesses and disorders due to weakened immune systems [2], which makes it especially important for them to get properly and regularly screened for various disorders and diseases. 

It may feel like a pain to get all these tests, but in the end, it will be well worth the time and effort it takes to get screened. Wondering if your test will detect a disorder can feel scary, but not knowing and having your health dwindle is even scarier. Preventive screenings can detect issues early and give you the chance to intervene and mitigate the risks of more dangerous issues while you still can. This can greatly improve your quality of life, as well as the longevity of your life. 

What Do Preventive Health Screenings Look For?

Senior citizen’s preventive health checkups and screenings aim to detect any warning signs of serious issues in older adults. For example, cholesterol tests examine if your cholesterol levels have risen from normal to heightened, which increases your chance of heart disease and other ailments [3]. By knowing that your cholesterol levels are raised, your doctor can step in and provide treatment tips, such as changes in diet, or prescribe medication so that you can get your levels back to normal and avoid developing serious disorders. 

Common conditions targeted by preventive health screenings include but are not limited to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, vision and hearing loss, cognitive dysfunction, and infections. Comprehensive screenings, which encompass multiple medical tests and evaluations, promote proactive overall health and reduce future health risks. By staying up to date with your comprehensive screenings and a senior, you can be sure that you know what health conditions you must pay attention to, if any. It can give seniors peace of mind, a proactive mindset, and increased life longevity. 

What Happens at a Senior Preventive Health Checkup?

If you have never had a senior preventive health checkup, have no fear! Below is a guide to what you can expect at your first appointment [4]: 

Medical History Review

The healthcare provider will first review your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family medical history. This will help them gather important information for a more comprehensive and personalized assessment of your health needs. Make sure to bring up any health conditions and/or concerns you have at this time!

Physical Examination

Next, the healthcare provider will check your vitals, such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight, and height. They will then begin a thorough physical examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and other bodily symptoms. They may ask you to report if you feel any pain or tenderness in these areas, or if you have had any trouble with specific bodily functions. Seniors are also assessed for mobility, balance, and cognitive function. 

Blood Tests and Urinalysis

The healthcare provider will likely request a blood and urine test. For the blood test, the physician will clean the area on your arm with antiseptic, use a small needle to collect a sample of blood, and then bandage the area. Blood tests are quick and not painful—they should feel like a normal immunization shot. For the urine test, the physician will request that you urinate in a clean container. After each of the samples is obtained, the physician will analyze the results and report any areas of concern to you. 

The purpose of blood and urine tests is to detect medical conditions. These tests can reveal important information about your overall health that the doctor may not be able to detect during the physical examination. The results will give insight into the functionality of your organs or changes in organ function over time [5]. 

Additionally, seniors often take multiple medications to manage chronic conditions. Blood tests can monitor the effects of these medications and make sure that dosages are effective and appropriate. 

Screening for Chronic Diseases

Depending on your age, gender, and individual risk factors, the healthcare provider may perform a variety of screening tests at this time of the appointment or may encourage you to schedule them sometime soon at a different office. It is important that you listen to your doctor’s advice when it comes to screening recommendations, as these tests ensure you detect any health scares early for effective management. Most screenings 

Importance of early detection for effective management. Most screening tests are performed every 1 to 3 years [6], but the frequency and methods of screening tests differ from person to person. 

Discussion

After the test results are back, you and your healthcare provider will have a consultation on any important takeaways they received from the test. These may be things to look out for regarding existing health ailments, new diagnoses, or general tips for your overall health. You should feel encouraged to bring up any questions you may have during this discussion. After all, it’s called a discussion for a reason — it should be a back-and-forth conversation between you and your healthcare physicians to address all the needs and concerns you and they may have. The end goal of this discussion is to create a personalized preventive care plan to help you work towards a future with reduced health concerns.

When to Schedule a Preventive Health Care Screening

Scheduling regular preventive healthcare screenings depends on many personal factors, which means it is always the best bet to ask your healthcare provider for advice on how often to schedule screenings based on your individual health needs. Your needs will be determined based on your age, gender, family history, and existing conditions. 

It is a straightforward process to schedule a preventive healthcare screening. First, call your healthcare provider and discuss the screening. They will answer any questions you have about the screening, potential costs, and any preparation that needs to be done before your appointment. Next, confirm your coverage for the screening by calling your insurance provider. Many preventive screenings are covered by insurance, but it is always better to double-check beforehand to avoid any unexpected costs. Then, schedule your appointment by calling your healthcare provider’s office or visiting your online patient portal. Follow any preparation instructions given by the provider, which may include fasting or avoiding certain medications. Finally, attend the screening appointment and a follow-up, and maintain communication with your doctor if you have questions. 

Senior Preventive Care Services at Greater Good Health

At Greater Good Health, your health and access to care are our top priorities. We commit to personalized and comprehensive care for seniors. It can feel scary navigating healthcare on your own as a senior, which is why partnering with a trusted healthcare provider for preventive screenings is so important. Greater Good Health offers primary care for seniors, including preventive screenings. Find a Greater Good Health primary care clinic near you, contact us with any questions, and take charge of your health today!