When seniors return to their homes at Memphis Housing Authority’s (MHA) College Park Senior Building residences, they will find, among other improvements, an on-site medical clinic on the main floor.
“Many of our seniors have specific medical needs which require frequent trips to a doctor’s office,” said MHA Executive Director Dexter Washington.
“We considered how we could make medical care more accessible and convenient for our elders. This concept is trending in the senior affordable housing market. We contracted to include five new clinics,” Washington said, adding that all four senior towers will have a clinic and negotiations are being completed for a fifth clinic.
The clinic announcement was included in the fanfare (March 14) during a ceremonial groundbreaking in front of the senior building, kicking off a $50 million renovation project of affordable rental housing across three College Park sites.
Another $20 million will be spent on Uptown rehabs and a new 131-unit residence.
In addition to the renovation plans, Washington and his staff recently signed an agreement with Matter Health Clinic to have clinics grafted into those plans.
“Adding the Matter Health Clinics will not prolong original renovation timelines,” said Washington. “We are still looking to begin bringing our seniors back, hopefully, in nine months.
“I will personally be on renovation sites each week to make sure the work is adequately progressing.”
Just before the Christmas holiday last year, residents received letters saying renovations would begin in 2022 and temporary relocation of residents would be necessary.
Tears and fears among seniors led Washington to personally visit facilities and speak with seniors.
“Many thought these were evictions, but I promised our seniors they would return home as soon as possible,” said Washington.
“It was difficult for them to leave their apartment units, so we want them to find more than just new appliances and updated bathrooms (when they return).
“They will only have to come down the elevator for a doctor’s appointment. No more worries about mobility issues and transportation.”
Several MHA affordable housing projects were sold to BGC Advantage last year to forge a partnership. The merger addresses the problem of securing sustained funding of public housing. MHA is participating in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program.
RAD is a federal program that allows public housing agencies to sell properties to private owners for the purpose of renovating to avoid costly disrepair.
Washington said a professional relocation team assisted seniors to find temporary living arrangements. Improvements will be completed in stages, allowing some residents to return in about nine months.”
The Matter Health clinic team will include a primary care physician, a nurse practitioner and a patient concierge. The team will focus on preventive care matters as well as work in conjunction with medical personnel already working with the patient.
Holistic medical care will be provided, which means that care is available, not only for physical needs, but also for mental and emotional health, according to the company’s website. It is the concept of caring for the “whole person,” thus, the holistic or “wholistic” care model.
Members of the care team will not change, allowing staff to build a close and trusting relationship with seniors. Such amenities as same-day visits, longer appointments as needed, and real-time computer interactions for digitally savvy patients who prefer a hybrid mix of in-person and digital appointments.
In addition to primary care, clinics will offer urgent care and mental health services for residents. Medicare is accepted, but services will be offered to all residents, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
For additional information on clinic design and operation, go to: matterhealthcare.com.
