Why Oak Street Health is the Perfect Model for Senior Care
As the population ages, senior care has become increasingly important. One healthcare provider that has been making waves in the industry is Oak Street Health. This primary care provider has a unique approach to senior care that has earned it recognition and a loyal following. In this article, we will explore why Oak Street Health is the perfect model for senior care and what makes it stand out from traditional healthcare providers.
The Oak Street Health Model
Oak Street Health was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare to seniors. The model they have developed is centered around a holistic approach to care that addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of their patients. They achieve this through a number of innovative practices:
Team-Based Care
At Oak Street Health, patients are assigned to a care team that includes a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, and registered nurse. This team works together to provide coordinated care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health.
Focus on Preventative Care
Oak Street Health places a strong emphasis on preventative care, with a goal of keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital. They achieve this by providing regular checkups, health screenings, and immunizations.
Emphasis on Social Connection
Oak Street Health recognizes that seniors often struggle with social isolation, which can lead to depression and other health problems. To address this, they offer a range of social activities and events, including exercise classes, group outings, and community meals.
Technology Integration
Oak Street Health makes use of technology to streamline care and improve patient outcomes. They use electronic health records to keep track of patient health information, and offer telemedicine appointments for certain types of care.
The Benefits of Oak Street Health’s Model
So, what makes Oak Street Health’s model so effective? Here are just a few of the benefits that patients experience:
Improved Health Outcomes
Oak Street Health’s focus on preventative care and team-based approach to care has been shown to improve health outcomes for seniors. Patients who receive care from Oak Street Health are less likely to be hospitalized and more likely to receive preventative care measures such as immunizations and cancer screenings.
Better Patient Experience
The social activities and events that Oak Street Health offers help patients feel more connected to their community and less isolated. Patients also report feeling more involved in their care when they are part of a care team that takes a holistic approach to their health.
Lower Costs
Oak Street Health’s model of care has been shown to lower healthcare costs, with one study finding a 56% decrease in hospitalizations for patients in their care. By keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital, Oak Street Health is able to reduce overall healthcare spending.
Conclusion
Oak Street Health’s model of care is a game-changer for senior healthcare. By focusing on preventative care, social connection, and a team-based approach to care, they are able to provide better outcomes at a lower cost. It’s no wonder that they are quickly becoming the go-to provider for seniors across the United States.
