In the old days, many Doctors made house calls to patients when the word “specialist” did not exist. It is extremely rare to see this in the 21st Century, however, there are several select companies that do offer this service such as Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) and/or similar groups.
Concierge services are now being offered by certain physician groups whereby you pay an “upfront” fee and you have a more direct channel to the Doctor when you need them. Concierge services clearly exist with Primary Care Physician’s, Internal Medicine, Podiatry, Optometry, Dental, and Veterinary practices. These practices are trying to provide an “exceptional service package” and you pay extra for these services.
Garden State Hearing & Balance Center (GSHBC) realizes the importance of extending their hearing care services outside of our three office locations (Toms River, Manahawkin, & Whiting). For example, there are hundreds of residents living in continuing care facilities such as Crestwood Manor, Harrogate, The Pines at Whiting and many others who cannot get out to see their doctors.
Many of these facilities bring the healthcare professional to the resident. GSHBC provides these services to many of these facilities, and trust me, the residents are so grateful! Granted, many residents are independent enough to hire transportation to see their doctors, however, it can become quite expensive to do so. Thus, these continuing care facilities make an effort as part as their value proposition to offer as many on-site healthcare services as possible to their residents.
Equally important………there are many folks that are non-ambulatory and find it extremely difficult to leave their home. Many of them are wheel chair bound, on 24/7 oxygen due to COPD and/or have significant health issues. Hearing loss is very prevalent in this type of population and these folks need our help as well. GSHBC has never advertised or promoted this service, even though we have been making “house calls” for over 25 years.
In my opinion, there is an increasing need for hearing care services to these specific individuals because our population is living longer and longer. We believe that everyone’s quality of life can be enhanced with improved hearing. We also know that untreated hearing loss in these populations increase the risk of cognitive decline, memory loss, and social isolation.
If you know of someone who is suffering from hearing loss and does not have the transportation means to see us, we will be happy to come to their home or place of residence.
For additional information, please feel to speak to Dr. Izzy Kirsh at 732-818-3610 or email to: ikirsh@gardenstatehearing.com.
