Helping an Older Adult Reconnect With Care and Support at Home

Senior services staff may meet an older adult who has drifted away from regular care: a provider retired, driving got harder, or the spouse who kept track of appointments is gone. Here is a starting guide for getting an older client reconnected, using what Medicare.gov says about the yearly wellness visit and what the Administration for Community Living says about Area Agencies on Aging, and how to refer to Hope Health Network.

The yearly wellness visit

Medicare.gov describes the yearly wellness visit as a conversation-based visit to build a prevention plan, covered once every 12 months. It is not a routine physical exam. The person pays nothing under Part B when the provider accepts assignment, though the Part B deductible may apply if additional tests or services are done during the visit. Hope Medical Associates provides primary care, including care for diabetes, hypertension and COPD, the Medicare yearly wellness visit, and help establishing a primary care provider after a hospital stay.

Support at home

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) says Area Agencies on Aging address the needs and concerns of all older persons and help older adults stay in their homes when that is what they want. Staff and families can find the local agency through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116.

Mood, worry and sleep

Low mood, constant worry and poor sleep deserve a look at any age. Hope Behavioral Medicine provides psychiatric medication management and counseling for adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder and postpartum depression, in person in West Ashley and by video. Mental health care is available by video anywhere in South Carolina.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline takes calls, texts and chats around the clock, free and confidential, and it is for anyone, including a staff member or relative worried about someone.

Getting to the visit

• Ask whether the client would rather start by video or in person.
• Note the client's Medicare or other coverage before the call.
• If a family member helps with appointments, make sure the client agrees to their involvement.

Some primary care and addiction medicine services are often able to be delivered through a hybrid model combining video visits with an in-person exam at our West Ashley office when indicated. Lab tests can be done at a lab of the patient's choice.

How to refer

You do not need to choose a practice; we route each referral to the right one. The referral line, fax number and secure form are on our referral page, and senior services staff can read more on our senior services page. We typically contact the patient within two business days of a faxed referral, and initial evaluations are often able to be scheduled within a week of the request. If the patient needs to be seen sooner, call us.

Our practices accept Medicare, most major commercial plans, and all South Carolina Medicaid managed care plans except Select Health (First Choice). Self-pay rates are also available.

Our practices are not an emergency service, and the referral form is not monitored for emergencies. For someone in crisis, call or text 988, and in immediate danger, call 911.

Sources: Medicare.gov, Yearly wellness visits; Administration for Community Living, Area Agencies on Aging; 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a patient–provider relationship. Every situation is different, so see a provider who can evaluate yours and develop a plan of care. Any medication discussed here may not be right for you: the right choice depends on your diagnoses, other health conditions and current medicines, so take medication only as directed by the provider managing your care. If you are ever in doubt about an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.