When Margaret “Gina” Herron, a retired nurse, began exploring her retirement living options, Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., stood out for its many amenities and opportunities for socialization.
And the on-campus medical center became a welcome bonus, as Gina has witnessed firsthand just how important accessibility to quality health care is.
“It is a full-service medical center. There is no need to go anywhere else. It’s all right here!” says Gina.
“One of the most significant benefits that sets Linden Ponds apart is the fact that we have a medical center located on campus, right where residents live,” says Dr. Jennifer Tam, vice president and regional medical director.
‘Fantastic care’
Staffed with three full-time physicians, two nurse practitioners, a licensed social worker, podiatrist, and practice administrator, it’s easy for residents to receive senior-focused care.
“We specifically focus on this age group,” notes Tam. “We know our patients and have relationships with them and their families. They know us well and trust us.”
Thinking outside the box
“Dr. Tam is my primary care doctor,” says Gina. “As a nurse, I feel that I’m in a good position to notice. She is absolutely the best! Her care is holistic, and that’s something I really appreciate. She does a wonderful job coming up with out-of-the-box solutions. I’m very grateful for her fantastic care.”
She adds, “I’ve had experiences with other medical practices, and none are as good as the Linden Ponds medical center.”
Compassion matters
In fact, Gina credits Tam and the medical center staff for saving her life when faced with a cancer diagnosis last January.
“At first, I thought that I would go directly to hospice. I didn’t think I wanted to attempt chemo,” recalls Gina. “But Dr. Tam really persuaded me to try, and I took her advice. And even though I was under the care of my oncologist, she was very much there for me.”
She continues, “That’s not typical. Most primary care physicians leave you to your oncologist. But that’s not how they operate at Linden Ponds. I’m really glad Dr. Tam encouraged me to fight. I’m in remission now!”
In addition to the compassionate care she received at the medical center, Gina appreciated the comfort and assistance of her caring neighbors.
“With no family in the area, her community of friends here at Linden Ponds helped with rides to outside appointments and provided much-needed emotional support,” says Tam. “She’s had a really nice recovery and is getting back to all her activities.”
Unbeatable access
With a focus on providing accessible, high-quality health care, Linden Ponds’ medical center is available for residents’ annual wellness checkups to vaccines, there are a range of services to support residents’ health and well-being.
The medical center even offers 30-minute appointments, which is increasingly rare in modern health care.
Focus on prevention
“Seeing our residents right away and providing the care they need, even when symptoms are mild, goes a long way in preventing the progression of illness,” says Tam.
This top-notch care also extends to Linden Ponds residents when they are out of town. “If residents are traveling, we can do a telehealth visit and send in prescriptions, if necessary,” says Tam.
And residents who choose to keep their current primary care physicians and specialists can still use the medical center for flu shots, tests and screenings, and sick visits as needed.
Just down the hall
With so many services and resources available to her at Linden Ponds, Gina is looking forward to a happy and healthy 2025.
“This is truly an A-1 medical center. They have everything,” she says. “For anyone concerned about their health care, there is great peace of mind knowing it’s all right here, staffed with the most wonderful, caring physicians, right down the hall from your home.”
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.
