With the rise of the older adult population it has become a priority for seniors to maintain function and independence for as long as possible.

“Older Adults who have multiple health concerns are not best served with the routine medical care that’s provided through ERs and walk-in clinics,” explained Dr. Sanjeev Vohra, one of the geriatricians in the new Specialized Seniors Clinic at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre. “They require special assessment, care and ongoing support.”

The Specialized Seniors Clinic o�ers older adults and their families assistance with management of their health in order to optimize quality of life, improve self management of chronic conditions, and maintain independence. Working with primary care providers and community services the Seniors Clinic provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, care planning and timely follow up. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team utilizing evidence based practice and geriatric expertise of professionals and community groups.

Home is best“Our focus is to work collaboratively with primary care physicians to help older adults with complex health issues maintain their independence as long as possible in the community,” Dr. Vohra said. “The goal is always quality of life while keeping them safe, so whatever that transition requires over a period of time, that’s what we guide them through.”

Surrey couple Inez and Don, both in their late 90s, are still living independently at home four years after the clinic supported them through Inez’s di�culties with depression and sleeping.

The Seniors Clinic sta� recognized that Inez was being over-medicated, and after three months in a care facility by adjusting her medications she was able to return home.

With the assistance of visits from a home care nurse and their daughter, along with occasional checkups, the couple can keep doing what makes them happy.

“It means a lot to us to be independent,” said Inez, who is 99. “ We feel very fortunate to be using the clinic. They’re very caring and nice people.”

Expanding services to meet a growing needThe clinic’s new location (relocating from the Gateway Scotia Bank Tower in Surrey) will expand their holistic approach to include coordination with other on-site services (such as chronic disease and pain clinics), primary care providers, referrals to other Fraser Health programs such as Home Health, and a focus on family education and support.

This patient-centred, integrated approach is critical as health care providers face what is referred to as “the rising tide of the silver tsunami,” Dr. Vohra noted. “We’re seeing increasing incidence of all problems related to seniors, including dementia, which is a huge and growing problem.”

Talk to your family physician if you or a family member could bene�t from the Specialized Seniors Clinic.

IMPROVING INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS “Our focus is to help older adults with complex health issues to maintain their independence as long as possible within the community.” -Dr. Sanjeev Vohra, Geriatrician, Specialized Seniors Clinic, Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE Learn more about the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre by joining us at our public open house Monday, May 30 from 3pm – 7pm.

For more information, learn a fact a day and to view our video about the new Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre go to www.fraserhealth.ca.

To contact the clinic directly call 604 -953-4919;after June 6 call 604-582-4582.

Fraser Health believes you deserve the best

health care. And Jim Pattison agrees. Give to the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation today and he will generously match your gift.Donate now atwww.smhfoundation.com