Ochsner 65 Plus

Achieve Your Health Goals with Ochsner 65 Plus

In Ochsner’s ongoing effort to inspire healthier lives and stronger communities, as well as further support an aging patient population, Ochsner Health opened its first of many Ochsner 65 Plus Clinics in Covington in May.

In order to provide customized healthcare options for patients 65 and older, this premier healthcare resource is uniquely designed with this population in mind. It includes a primary care clinic, strength, agility and balance training area as well as a community center for socializing, all in a comfortable, safe and caring environment.

Along with specialized physicians, each patient has a team around them that provides customized care based on their personal goals and preferences. The team includes a primary care doctor, social worker, dietitian, health coach, fitness instructor and more.

Dr. Kerry-Ann Miller is a geriatric fellowship-trained physician at the Ochsner 65 Plus clinic located on Hwy. 190 in Covington. She brings her passion for this patient population into the work she does every day in Covington and understands their unique needs.

“I find it to be an honor and privilege to care for the aging population, especially when I’m able to do a great job at managing their chronic health issues, and thereby allowing them to age well, and enjoy their golden years,” said Dr. Kerry- Ann Miller, geriatric fellowship-trained Ochsner 65 Plus physician.

At Ochsner 65 Plus, visits are typically longer than traditional primary care visits, allowing patients to schedule physician appointments for up to an hour. Patients and their care teams get to know one another, and family or caregivers are welcome.

The 65 Plus model offers comprehensive primary care including immunizations, lab work, infusions, balance services and screenings along with mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy and emotional support, health coaching, nutrition support and medication education and management.

Dr. Miller explains the importance of this care model and why she is so passionate about this population, “This type of care requires time and special care, and a few other specialties and experts. From the longer appointment times to pouring over each medical issue and getting to know the patients, to the specialists such as the nutritionist, our wonderful physical therapist and health coach, the pharmacist and social worker – this practice model allows me to do just that. All these specialists offer unique and invaluable input to help address every aspect of the areas that will allow our patients to continue to age well and in excellent health.”

The 65 Plus physicians have a smaller panel of patients so they can devote extra time and attention to addressing all issues, while helping to keep people as happy and healthy as possible. The clinic also has a licensed clinic social worker trained in behavioral therapy, because mental health and physical health go hand in hand.

Patients can also take advantage of wellness classes and social events that take place in the community room at the clinic. Patients can engage in social activities like arts and crafts, card games, chair yoga, tai chi, healthy cooking demonstrations, and continuing education. All of which help to combat the problem of social isolation and loneliness, while fostering an active and rich social life; such interactions are even more important as we continue to make progress against the trauma imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ochsner 65 Plus is a piece of a larger initiative to improve the health of Louisiana’s citizens by 2030. The needs of patients change across the different stages of their lives, and Ochsner is dedicated to adapting to meet those changing needs.

Ochsner 65 Plus accepts traditional Medicare, along with Medicare Advantage plans offered by Ochsner Health Plan, Humana, Peoples Health and Blue Cross. Guided tours are available.

Call 504-703-7587 to schedule an appointment or go to ochsner.org/65plus to learn more.

Ochsner 65 Plus – Covington | 1581 Highway 190, Covington, LA 70433