Sun Health at Home medical director works with wellness coordinators to help members age in place confidently

By Meghann Finn Sepulveda

Sun Health at Home, a nonprofit continuing care at home program, is dedicated to helping individuals remain independent as they age through a dedicated, highly trained team of caring professionals.

Board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics, Sun Health at Home’s Medical Director Radha Ramamrutham, M.D., who most people call Dr. Ram, serves in several pivotal roles in this innovative program. She assesses applicants for medical eligibility, provides guidance on long-term support and services for clients and manages the program’s quality assurance. She has one goal in mind: Keep members healthy at home.

Aging in Place

According to AARP, 88 percent of seniors wish to remain in their homes as they age. Now, through Sun Health at Home, this can be a viable option for people age 55 and older who live independently and qualify for the program medically and financially.

“Based on my experience as a medical professional, I know that my patients are most comfortable in their own surroundings,” said Dr. Ram. “They sleep better, their stress levels are lower, and they can recuperate faster from temporary health setbacks provided they have care and support and can remain safe in their home.”

The range of services provided by Sun Health at Home includes personal wellness coordination, health and wellness services, home safety assessments, emergency response technology, transportation coordination, along with in-home nursing and the security of Sun Health’s assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services.

Providing Medical Guidance

Sun Health at Home’s personal wellness coordinators get to know each member by learning their preferences so they can create individualized plans that meet current and future needs.

Dr. Ram serves as a dedicated resource for these wellness coordinators as they provide support to members.

“If a wellness coordinator sees a change in a member’s functional, nutritional or cognitive status, he or she will contact me to determine whether we should do additional screenings in the home or if a physician or another medical specialist should be consulted,” she said. “If a member has a need for service, I discuss the level of service that would be most appropriate with the wellness coordinator and make recommendations that best support the member given their current health condition.”

Be Prepared if Health Changes 

Sun Health at Home is a good solution that provides members the security and confidence that comes with knowing a plan is in place for care if health needs change. “Our members, along with their family members, want to have peace of mind knowing their long-term care needs are covered,” Dr. Ram said. “Having a local advocate and someone who can speak on their behalf, coordinate services and provide care if the need arises is very comforting.”

This is especially true for those who do not have children nearby or if family members live out of state.

“Many people think they can wait because they don’t have a need for services today,” Dr. Ram said. “The reality is that a health situation can strike at any time such as a traumatic fall, a stroke or a heart attack, which may make someone who was healthy and independent yesterday not a qualified candidate for the program tomorrow.”

Sun Health at Home members have access to high-quality health and nonmedical services with a lifetime guarantee of care.

“We can assure that aging seniors live the healthiest life possible by helping them navigate the very confusing health care system and maintain their overall wellness,” Dr. Ram added.

Join us for a Discovery Seminar to learn more about Sun Health at Home

To RSVP and find the address of each seminar, visit sunhealthathome.org/seminar or call
623-227-HOME (4663).