Senior Health Clinics are available to all Cerro Gordo residents age 55 and older.

• First in the nation of residents age 85 and older.
• Second in the nation of people aged 75 and older.
• Third in the nation of people aged 65 and older.
• Fourth in the nation of people age 60 and older.

When was the last time a health care provider spent 90 minutes with you?

As our Iowa population continues to age, more seniors are seeking health care services than ever before. But many seniors say they feel rushed when they see their physician. They say they want to better understand their health care options.

One way to do that is for seniors to take advantage of the Senior Health Clinic at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. The clinics are for all people age 55 and older, says Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health Registered Nurse Shirley Stephen, who sees the clients.

"Seniors tell me they feel rushed at the doctor’s office. They really seem to appreciate it when we I can spend an hour-and-a-half with them to talk about their health. Sometimes, they just want to talk. Maybe they don’t understand the medications they are on, so we talk about that," Stephen said. "But each client is offered a head-to-toe physical assessment."

Stephen said it’s important for people to know that the clinic is a screening only and does not replace a physician’s care. "This is something in addition to their physician’s care," she said.

"I am excited to report that the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has added hearing testing with a new high tech audiometer machine," Stephen said. "With this addition to the health assessment, we can reduce the impact of hearing loss among residents over 55 years of age. Now, the client will be able to be given an accurate status of their hearing so they can live their life to the fullest."

The clinics give seniors a chance to sit down with a registered nurse and discuss their health care concerns in more detail. During each appointment, Stephen, who has been trained in health assessment, spends about 90 minutes with each client. The clinic provides individual health education, including the importance of good nutrition, proper exercise and rest, cancer detection, understanding medications and other specific topics. If a health problem is found, the client is referred to the appropriate health care provider, such as a physician, dentist, etc. The clinics are offered at several locations throughout Cerro Gordo County.

See our schedule of upcoming Senior Health Clinics

The clinics are free. However, donations do keep the clinic running. For more information, call the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health:
(641) 421-9300.

Public Health Nursing | Home Care Aides | Senior Health Clinics | Family Services

If there is anything we can do to help you, please contact the Family and Community Health staff. For home health care, you have a choice. Ask your physician to call Public Health today for your home care needs.