Spry Senior of Strongsville offers a different method of delivering medical care to seniors
By Mary Malik
Seniors of Strongsville and surrounding communities have a choice when it comes to their healthcare experience. Spry Senior, in Strongsville, is a different kind of healthcare provider—and one that’s not only desired, but is also reminiscent of the past, when doctors took their time with patients, built relationships and developed treatment plans that didn’t always come on a prescription pad.
Spry Senior is for people aged 58 and over who are looking for a connection with a dedicated medical provider who takes the necessary time to provide complete medical care in a convenient and seamless experience. From the convenient parking, one-level building, welcoming waiting area and comfortable exam rooms, Spry Senior is delivering exceptional healthcare in a setting designed specifically for the convenience and overall well-being of seniors.
“My professional background is in geriatrics working in assisted living, independent living, primary urgent care, and now at Spry Senior,” Denise Mohar, APRN, CNP says. “I love hearing people’s stories and building relationships. Now, I have the time to do that.”
Time is a cherished commodity. At Spry Senior, the staff spends more time with patients who are more engaged in their own care, which results in a more comprehensive primary care experience.
The staff wants Spry Senior to serve as a base for seniors to receive medical care and education, and to spend time with peers.
“If a patient is doing well and feeling good, it can be more of a traditional doctor/patient relationship,” Jeffrey Rosenberg, M.D., primary care provider at Spry Senior, says. “But if patients are struggling, need someone to talk to and want to feel they are being heard, we have the time for that. The pandemic exacerbated isolation, especially among seniors. Spry Senior is community-based healthcare aimed at addressing physical and mental well-being for seniors.”
Spry Senior has partnered with the Silver Sneakers program and offers both physical and mental exercise programs throughout the year. Seniors take part in yoga classes, holiday parties, games and activities, or just stop in for coffee and conversation in the community room.
“We offer overall care in a relaxed and comfortable environment,” Denise says. “I am often amazed by the resiliency of my patients. People don’t always look like what they’re living with. You have to ask questions, take time to dig a little deeper, have compassion and form a connection, so that we can work together to set specific goals. This takes more than a five- or 10-minute visit once a year. It’s an ongoing partnership.”
Spry Senior offers transportation to and from appointments and for social activities. Other conveniences include same-day appointments, an on-site lab and vaccine distribution.
Dr. Rosenberg admits he doesn’t miss the time crunch of how he used to practice medicine.
“Having only a few minutes to spend with my patients made it difficult to deliver the service I wanted to give,” Dr. Rosenberg says. “We have time to sit and talk to patients, explore their medical histories, go through medications and make adjustments, and talk about diet, family life, activity level, socialization and health and wellness goals.”
And those health goals include physical, mental and social health. Spry Senior recommends patients schedule visits four to five times each year in order to build that all-important relationship with their provider.
“If I see you more often, I can see subtle changes in physical and mental health and address issues quicker where you’re much more likely to improve,” Denise says. “People feel better when they feel better. Sounds simple but feeling good snowballs and you want to feel even better. We’ll help you get there.”
Spry Senior providers say they hear the same thing from patients every day. “No one has ever spent this much time with me before or given such a thorough exam.” This is music to their ears.
“It doesn’t mean they didn’t want to,” Denise says. “They just didn’t have time. We do and that changes the whole dynamic of how we treat patients. We involve you in your own care. What is it that you want to be able to do moving forward? Come on in and let’s talk about it.”
Having more time allows Spry Senior providers to often avoid sending patients to specialists. Medical doctors and nurse practitioners have training in every aspect of general medicine and have the ability to treat many conditions.
“We can treat diabetes, arthritis, nutritional health issues, allergies and more,” says Dr. Rosenberg. “Other providers don’t have the time or aren’t able to offer the necessary follow up. If a specialist is needed, we will do that and then work with them to provide ongoing care here.”
Stop in for a tour, meet the providers and staff and see how Spry Senior can be your health and wellness partner.
Spry Senior now has three convenient locations. In Strongsville, 15201 Pearl Rd. In Brook Park, 14770 Snow Rd. In Solon, 5855 Harper Rd. Suite A. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 440-592-6200 or check the website SprySenior.com.