Building Community: Ochsner’s 65 Plus Clinic

Ochsner’s 65 Plus Clinic Heals Pandemic Wounds

A new approach to health offers support to older adults by prioritizing holistic care

By George Menz | Photo: Christopher Hagan

Jeff Fernandez, Sr. Executive Advisor; Corwin Harper, CEO Ochsner Northshore and MS Gulf Coast; Janie Shachat, Director of Clinic Operations; Sarah Roberts, Chief Operating Officer of Community Care; Pedro Cazabon, MD, System Serviceline Leader for Primary Care; Robert Hart, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Kenny Cole, MD, System VP for Clinical Improvement; Kerry-Ann Miller, MD; Scott Posecai, Executive VP and Treasurer; Tim Riddell, MD, Regional Medical Director for Ochsner Northshore; James Fitzpatrick, MD; and Gwen Guernsey, Chief Operating Officer for Ochsner Northshore at the Ochsner 65 Plus Grand Opening celebration on June 10, 2022 in Covington.

The new Ochsner 65 Plus - Covington clinic is pioneering a new model of healthcare for patients and the community. The model addresses a question that has been at the core of Ochsner’s mission from the beginning. As Dr. Alton Ochsner once said: “Don’t forget that you are treating people. You are not treating disease, but people.” Ever since, Ochsner doctors have asked: How can we treat each patient as a whole human being?

“We’re trying to understand the different needs of different patient segments,” said Kenny Cole, MD, System VP of Clinical Improvement at Ochsner Health. “How can we provide a better offering to those who need specialized care?”

With a focus on internal medicine and geriatrics for patients 65 and over, the clinic, which opened in May 2022, takes a holistic approach to patient care. Another 65 Plus clinic will soon open in Baton Rouge.

“One distinguishing factor of 65 Plus clinics is that our primary care visits last 40 to 60 minutes,” said Janie Shachat, Ochsner’s Director of Clinic Operations. “These longer visit times create space for patients to have all of their questions answered and concerns addressed.”

The 65 Plus clinics also take a proactive approach to care. Instead of responding to crises that emerge in a patient’s life— for instance, an injury or an illness—the clinic encourages all-around health to help minimize crises or avoid them altogether. At the same time, the excellence of care ensures that the team can react quickly when issues do arise.

“We want to keep people happy and healthy for as long as we can,” said Janie.

Part of what sets the 65 Plus clinics apart is the collaborative approach to care. Each physician meets with fewer than 20 patients per day, allowing them to provide comprehensive care and build deep relationships. The primary care physician works together with a social worker, a care manager, a dietician, a fitness instructor and a health coach to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed over the course of their treatment. The hope is that patients feel seen and supported in all areas— medically, socially and emotionally.

“We’re colocating all members of the team together,” said Dr. Cole. “Normally, a patient sees a doctor in this office, goes to the next building and so forth. We’re colocating multidisciplinary resources under one roof.”

Technology enhances the community feel of the clinic by connecting patients even when they’re not physically present. Virtual follow-ups and digital medicine supplement in-person visits. There are also additional supports for patients with chronic conditions.

The clinic itself is conveniently located in a low-density area for older adults who want to avoid traffic, and its design supports patient-centered care. For instance, physician offices include circular tables around a central screen, allowing all members of the team to sit down together and discuss how to improve patient outcomes.

For many patients, solving a seemingly simple problem requires a team effort.

“A patient’s goal might be to be able to sit down on the floor and play with their grandchildren,” Dr. Cole explained. “We put that in as our goal: why can’t they do this?”

The behavioral therapist would discuss mental health concerns. The dietician would consider how a patient’s lifestyle could be improved. The fitness instructor would consider the potential causes of joint pain like osteoarthritis.

“The key is that our mission isn’t complete until they get on the floor and play with their grandchildren,” Dr. Cole said.

This setup allows for greater collaboration and communication with patients in a consistent voice. In turn, this leads to comprehensive action plans that improve the patient’s quality of life and bring them closer to achieving their goals.

In addition, the clinic serves as a community hub complete with social activities, chair yoga, healthy cooking demonstrations and educational programs. There’s also a fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, promoting healthy aging and reducing the effects of cognitive decline.

These programs and resources help older adults maintain a degree of independence. They are a vital aspect of holistic support that’s essential to patients’ overall health and happiness.

“There is an epidemic of loneliness,” Dr. Cole said. “It’s as powerful a predictor of future morbidity and mortality as cigarette smoking.”

Building a community that helps to heal the wounds of the pandemic is one of the goals of the clinic. Although social isolation affected everyone, the impact was particularly acute for older adults, who are more likely to suffer from loneliness.

“Our goal is to combat social isolation and loneliness,” Janie said. “We want to rebuild our community and promote social health after a hard couple of years. This is important in addressing the causes of decline in later life.”