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Memory Changes and Cognitive Assessment for Medicare Patients

Misplacing your keys now and then is normal. But when you or your family notice that memory, focus or decision-making is changing, it is worth a careful conversation with a physician you trust.

Not Every Memory Change Is Dementia

Thyroid problems, low vitamin B12, poor sleep, depression, hearing loss and medication side effects can all affect memory and thinking. Many of these are treatable, which is why an early, thorough evaluation matters.

How We Evaluate Cognitive Changes

  • A conversation with you and, if you like, a family member about what has changed
  • Brief, standardized memory and thinking tests
  • A review of every medication, since some commonly cause confusion in older adults
  • Lab work to look for treatable causes
  • Referral to neurology or neuropsychology when more testing is needed

What Medicare Covers

Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit includes a check for signs of cognitive impairment. If there are concerns, Medicare also covers a separate cognitive assessment and care planning visit to review safety, medications, caregiver support and next steps.

Support for the Whole Family

If a diagnosis is made, we help coordinate specialists, home safety and community resources, and we stay in touch as needs change. Read more about our geriatric care.

Become a Member

Worried about memory changes in yourself or a loved one? Concierge Internal Medicine Associates keeps a limited number of memberships so every member has time with their physician and direct access when something comes up. Call (561) 295-5024 to schedule a meet-and-greet, or learn more about concierge membership.

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Why Falls Aren’t Just Part of Getting Older

fall prevention for seniors

A fall may be your body’s way of telling you something has changed.
It’s easy to think that becoming unsteady or falling occasionally is simply part of getting older. But falls shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as “just aging.”

Sometimes there is an underlying reason—and finding it early can help prevent another fall and a potentially serious injury.

What Could Be Causing a Fall?

A fall or new balance problem can be related to something as simple as dehydration or a medication change. Other possible factors include low blood pressure, vision changes, muscle weakness, an inner-ear problem, neuropathy, or another medical condition.

That’s why it’s important to look beyond the fall itself.

At Concierge Internal Medicine Associates, we take the time to ask: Why did this happen?

Your physician can review your medications, blood pressure, vision concerns, strength and balance, recent laboratory results, and overall health. When appropriate, we can also coordinate with physical therapy or other specialists to help you remain active and independent.

Staying Independent Starts With Prevention

The goal isn’t to become less active because you’re worried about falling. It’s to identify risks early so you can continue doing the things you enjoy with greater confidence.

Dr. Daniel Boss, Dr. Beatrice Deshommes, and Dr. Susan Poncy take a collaborative approach to caring for adults as they age. With greater access to your physicians and a physician that knows your medical history, even a seemingly small change can be addressed before it becomes a bigger concern.

If you’ve recently fallen, feel less steady on your feet, or simply don’t feel as strong as you used to, talk with your doctor.

At Concierge Internal Medicine Associates, we’re here to help you stay healthy, active, and independent for as long as possible.

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10 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore After 50

Sometimes a small change in how you feel is worth a conversation with your doctor.
After 50, it’s easy to blame new symptoms on getting older, stress, or being tired. Often, that’s exactly what they are. But when something feels different or doesn’t go away, it’s worth paying attention.

Here are 10 health changes you shouldn’t ignore:

  • Unusual or ongoing fatigue
  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • New shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • New or unusual headaches
  • Increasing forgetfulness or confusion
  • Pain that doesn’t go away
  • Significant changes in mood or sleep
  • The important thing isn’t to worry about every symptom. It’s having a doctor you can call and ask, “Is this something I should be concerned about?”

At Concierge Internal Medicine Associates, Dr. Daniel Boss, Dr. Beatrice Deshommes, and Dr. Susan Poncy work together to provide personalized primary care with greater physician access, longer visits, and an emphasis on prevention.

Doctors that Know You Can Help You Avoid a Health Crisis

When your doctors know you and your medical history, they are better positioned to recognize when something has changed. If you’re looking for a closer relationship with your physician and a more proactive approach to staying healthy after 50, Concierge Internal Medicine Associates is welcoming new concierge patients.

Sometimes the best time to call your doctor is before a small concern becomes a bigger one.

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Concierge Doctor for Juno Beach, FL

Juno Beach, Florida

Juno Beach residents are just minutes from Concierge Internal Medicine Associates in Jupiter. For those who want a closer relationship with their physician, our membership-based practice offers more time, more access and care that is organized around you.

Experienced Care for Juno Beach’s Active Adults

Many Juno Beach residents are active retirees, seasonal residents and professionals. Dr. Daniel Boss brings decades of experience in internal medicine and geriatric care, helping members stay healthy, independent and on top of chronic conditions.

What Your Membership Includes

Seasonal Residents Welcome

If you split the year between Juno Beach and another home, we help keep your care continuous: tracking results, coordinating with your physicians elsewhere and picking up right where you left off when you return.

Join Our Practice from Juno Beach

Memberships are limited. Call (561) 295-5024 to schedule a meet-and-greet with our physicians, or learn more about concierge membership. Our office is at 600 University Blvd., Suite 104, in Jupiter.

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Tips for Aging In Place for High-Functioning Older Adults

Aging in Place: Guidance from a Concierge Internal Medicine Perspective

Many patients and families explore ways to prepare for the changes that can come with aging, especially when anticipating a potential health setback. With the right planning, it is often possible to remain safely and comfortably at home for many years.

Advancements in technology have made this goal more achievable than ever. Home automation devices—such as Alexa, Ring doorbells, Apple Watches, or Nest systems—can be used as powerful safety tools, assisting with fall detection, medication reminders, and enhanced home security, while offering peace of mind to both patients and their loved ones.

Helpful Considerations Before Choosing a Senior Living Community

Before deciding to relocate to a senior living facility, it is important to evaluate whether the current home environment can be adapted to meet changing needs:

Home Layout – Are there stairs? Is navigating the home physically taxing or potentially unsafe?
Financial Resources – Are funds or long-term care insurance available to cover in-home support services? Many families are unaware that a long-term care policy may already be in place to provide additional assistance should health needs increase.
Cognitive Wellness – A cognitive health evaluation may help guide planning and care decisions. Concierge internal medicine practices can arrange such assessments to assist with long-term care strategies.

Tips for Successfully Aging in Place

For those who have lived independently for decades, leaving home can be difficult to consider. Aging in place—continuing to live in one’s own home while adjusting for age-related changes—can be a realistic and rewarding choice when proper precautions are taken. Recommended modifications include:

Install Grab Bars and Non-Slip Mats in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are common sites for falls. Sturdy grab bars and non-slip shower mats can help prevent accidents and make daily routines safer.

Upgrade Handles and Fixtures for Accessibility
As grip strength changes, traditional knobs and levers can be difficult to use. Ergonomic handles and easy-turn fixtures help maintain accessibility throughout the home.

Improve Lighting in Key Areas
Dimly lit spaces—especially near stairs, hallways, and entryways—can pose hazards. Bright, well-placed lighting with easily accessible switches can reduce the risk of accidents.

Consider a Ramp for Entryways
When steps to the front or back door become challenging, a properly installed ramp can maintain independence and make entering or exiting the home easier.

Role of Concierge Internal Medicine in Aging in Place

A concierge internal medicine team like Concierge Internal Medicine Associates can help patients and families assess the home environment, coordinate supportive services, and recommend appropriate modifications. This collaborative approach ensures safety, promotes independence, and supports the goal of remaining at home for as long as possible. Allow our experienced clinical team help meet your retirement needs.

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