TrueCare opens older adult health center in North San Diego County

SAN MARCOS – TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center serving north San Diego and south Riverside counties, opened the TrueCare Older Adult Health Center in west San Marcos. The new location is designed to provide a unique care experience for treating adults aged 50+ with complex and chronic health conditions.

TrueCare’s Older Adult Health Center is a progressive step towards addressing the county’s growing older adult population. Every day, more than 10,000 people turn 65 years old in the United States, and by 2035, it is projected that San Diego County will experience an increase of nearly 60% in its senior residents.

For over 50 years, TrueCare has been caring for older adults through their primary care and adult medicine services across the community health center’s clinics. The Older Adult Health Center augments TrueCare’s capacity for serving more older adults – a majority who are on Medicare – with quality, compassionate and culturally sensitive care.

“Our Older Adult Health Center will help seniors live better, healthier, and more dignified lives, including maintaining and enriching their emotional and human connections,” Michelle D. Gonzalez, president and CEO of TrueCare, said. “At the end of the day, it is imperative that we provide access to great medical care, show empathy and treat older patients with respect, making sure they feel seen and heard.”

The center is staffed with highly experienced internal medicine physicians who take the time to understand each patient's health history and work with them to create a personalized wellness plan through longer appointment times.

To ensure that patients receive the care they need to feel their best at every age, the center’s services include primary care/adult medicine services, chiropractic and acupuncture treatments, health care coordination, medication therapy management, virtual health assistance, vaccines and immunizations. The community health center also offers transportation, food and nutrition support, as well as diabetes education classes and blood pressure checks, to name a few. Other services, including podiatry, will also be added soon.

“We understand that older adults often have more acute, complex and chronic health care needs,” Dr. Marie Russell, chief medical officer of TrueCare, said. “That is why we intentionally chose internal medicine providers to go deeper and schedule longer appointments. Our patients enjoy added comfort and accessibility, unrushed doctor visits and a dedicated care team that takes time to listen.”

Reihaneh Roei, a daughter who cares for her elderly mother Monireh, praised TrueCare for providing exceptional care and support during a difficult medical journey.

“As a patient of TrueCare, my mother has received compassionate care that has made a significant difference in our family’s life,” she said.

TrueCare’s approach to older adult health care has always been focused on ensuring those who are isolated or lacking support can live out their life with dignity. It is also intended to be a support system for caregivers who dedicate themselves to assisting their aging parents or loved ones. This tiered method is reflected in several TrueCare programs that go beyond the exam room to aid underserved senior patients who may be lacking resources.

As a partner with San Diego PACE – Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – TrueCare patients who qualify and need extra help are referred to the program by their providers, who remain their primary care physician. Furthermore, TrueCare runs a Golden Years social support group for older Hispanic adults experiencing depression, keeping them connected to peers and other resources.

TrueCare accepts Medi-Cal and Medicare and offers affordable care to all patients. The center is staffed with bilingual and culturally sensitive professionals who provide quality, compassionate care to anyone who needs it.

The TrueCare Older Adult Health Center is located at 1595 Grand Ave., Suite 100, in San Marcos, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is accepting new patients who can schedule an appointment now by calling or texting 760-736-6767.

Submitted by TrueCare.