LCO Elder’s Care Clinic Opens

The LCO Health Care Center and staff are pleased to announce the opening of the LCO Elder’s Clinic January 27, 2014. We have seen an increasing demand in the specialization of Geriatric care in United States and in our community. To define Geriatric care; a specialization, evidence based on the research of the Elderly over 55 years of age.

The world population is aging. By 2050 one in five will be over the age of 65 years of age, and those over 85 will be showing the greatest increase in numbers. The number of those living to 100 years of age is projected to grow more than 20 times the rate of the total population by 2050. The older population is healthier, better educated and expect a higher quality of life. Healthy aging is now an achievable goal for many.

My name is Pamela Rutter, CNP with Master’s Degree education in the Care of Adults and Geriatrics. I work in Primary Care, the majority of my clients are those over 55 years of age. As an educated and trained provider, I am prepared to meet the complex needs of the Elders based on their needs, health promotion, and disease prevention to chronic disease and end of life care. Most diseases can present differently in the Elder population and different conditions affect other conditions differently, making treatment more complex. Medications play an important role in the management of disease because they pose many risks in aging. This is known as Polypharmacy: more than 7 medications. Then, as we age, our bodies don’t use the medications as they once did and what the medication does to the body changes as well. This places the Elder at great risk that can affect their overall health, mentation, independence, falls and many more. I have a strong understanding of normal aging, abnormal aging, strong assessment skills to detect any subtle changes that indicate impending serious problems, an understanding of rehabilitation principles as they apply to functional ability, sensitivity and patience so that the Elders are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In working with the Elders, my goals for you are healthy aging, to keep you in your home safe and independent for as long as possible, provide education based on your needs both formally and informally, enhancing our relationship based on trust, working together, being realistic and understanding the whole person utilizing a holistic approach in Primary Care. Hopefully this will decrease the fragmentized or superficial care which can be particularly dangerous to the older adult.

Mentioned earlier, I am an Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, my focus is Geriatrics, I will continue to see my established patients, those younger than 55.

The LCO Health Care Center, staff and I welcome you to this new endeavor of Geriatric Care in the community. We value your input in the growth of the Elder Care Clinic. We are looking forward to working with you.