Senior Care
WALK-IN CLINICS /
URGENT CARE
As with internal medicine and family medicine,
there are a few differences between walkin
clinics and urgent care.
A walk-in clinic, normally found near retailers
and in/or around pharmacies, provide a fast
and affordable option for basic medical needs.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
typically staff a walk-in clinic and provide convenient
services for insured and non-insured
patients. Typical services will entail any common,
non-threatening conditions such as minor
injuries and illnesses like flu or cold treatment,
strep throat, cuts, or skin conditions, as well
as services like immunizations, physicals, and
health screenings. Most locations are open
seven days a week, with extended hours for
convenience and affordability.
Urgent care clinics are also a convenient and
affordable alternative to the emergency room.
Urgent care clinics are usually staffed with a
physician and nurses and can provide additional
capabilities not commonly available at a walk-in
clinic such as radiology and lab work. Urgent
care clinics are also open seven days a week
with extended hours. Most clinics are available
for insured and non-insured patients.
SPECIALITY CARE
The American Psychological Association
(“APA”) notes, “As America’s population ages,
the need for mental and behavioral health services
continues to increase. Psychologists are
playing a critical role in addressing these needs.”
According to the APA, mental health is a
growing concern for the aging population.
Specifically,
• Older Americans underutilize mental health
services because of inadequate funding for
mental health services; lack of collaboration
and coordination among primary care, mental
health and aging service providers; access
barriers; stigma surrounding mental illness
and treatment; denial of problems; and lack
of trained professionals in the provision of
geriatric mental health services.
• Fear, distress, anger, stress, social support
and relaxation have been shown to influence
immune and cardiac functions, susceptibility
to infection, pain, asthma and recovery from
surgery.
Mental health is a critical component in ensuring
a high quality of life for older adults. In
Polk County, several organizations exist to curb
some of the influences that can affect a senior
adult’s mental health. Several organizations
help with companionship, food, and transportation,
while others focus on deeper issues such
as depression and anxiety disorders. Counselors,
churches, and mental health providers
have many programs available for senior adults.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Polk County has a plethora of services available
to the aging population. From health care
clinics offering convenient and comprehensive
services to non-profit organizations aimed at
helping you navigate, there is a right place for
you. When looking for the best health care
option in your community, think about these
questions when exploring your options:
• Where is the practice located?
• Will it be easy for you to get there?
• Is it accessible by public transportation?
• Is there ample parking?
• Which hospital(s) does the doctor use?
• Are you comfortable with the possibility of
being treated at one of these institutions
should the need arise?
• Where are routine x-rays and laboratory studies
performed?
• Can these be done in-office, or will you have
to go to an outside laboratory?
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