As healthcare systems evolve to meet the complex needs of an aging population, one model stands out for its compassion, accessibility, and patient-centered approach: the Geriatric House Call Program. At UTMB, the Geriatric House Call Program has become a vital service for older adults who are no longer able to visit traditional clinic settings.
Jennifer Young, APRN, MSN, AGPCNP-C, a dedicated member of the UTMB team, took time to share insights into the House Call Program and the remarkable work being done to care for seniors in their homes. Her passion for serving this population is evident in every aspect of the program’s mission. From building strong relationships with patients and families to collaborating with community resources, the House Call team is redefining what it means to age with dignity and receive care with heart.
Reviving the House Call: A Modern Model for Geriatric Care
As the aging population continues to grow, the need for accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care for older adults has never been greater. Traditional clinic-based models often pose barriers for seniors living with chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, or cognitive decline. The Geriatric House Call Program at UTMB offers an innovative solution-bringing high-quality medical care directly into patients' homes.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
At the core of the House Call team is a shared passion for serving older adults and the community. Every team member considers it an honor to support patients and their families in the later seasons of life. The home setting allows for deeply personal and holistic care-fostering meaningful connections between patients, families, and medical providers. These visits go beyond addressing physical health; they embrace mental wellbeing, education, and the unique goals of each patient.
"We love our patients and are so grateful to be there for them in their home when they can no longer get to the clinic," Young says.
Program History and Growth
The Geriatric House Call Program at UTMB has a proud history spanning over two decades. Originally serving just 20 patients through the geriatric fellowship program, the need for home-based primary care quickly grew. In 2015, Young joined the program along with Tammie Michael, DNP, AGPCPN. Within a few years, the patient census expanded dramatically—from 50 patients to over 100, and now, more than 420 older adults receive care through the program.
The team includes four nurse practitioners, three physicians, one registered nurse, and a dedicated program coordinator. Their service area extends from Jamaica Beach in the south to Friendswood and Clear Lake in the north. Patients are primarily cared for by advanced practice providers and are seen annually by a physician.
Who Qualifies and What’s Provided
The ideal candidate for the program is someone over the age of 65 who has difficulty accessing traditional in-clinic care. This often includes patients with dementia, heart failure, chronic pulmonary diseases, or other complex conditions. With continued demand in the community, the program plans to expand its capacity further.
Patients are typically seen every one to three months, depending on medical needs. Visits include comprehensive evaluations, medication reconciliation, physical exams, and personalized health education. The program also collaborates with UTMB’s Concierge Lab for in-home bloodwork and partners with outside services for in-home radiology, dental, ophthalmology, podiatry, and wound care.
The team also plays a critical role in caregiver education, helping families and facilities understand chronic illness management, dementia care, and end-of-life planning.
Community Preparedness and Emergency Support
A key aspect of the House Call Program is promoting safety and preparedness, particularly during hurricane season. The team actively encourages patients to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR)—a free service that assists with evacuation planning for individuals with medical or mobility challenges.
Patients are also advised to complete the Texas Application for Chronic Condition or Critical Care Residential Customer Status with their electricity provider. While this form does not guarantee power restoration priority, it is part of a broader emergency preparedness strategy discussed with patients.
The program also educates patients on safe generator use, the importance of waterproof ID bands for those with memory impairments, and assembling evacuation kits that include medications, medical equipment, glasses, and hearing aids.
Looking Ahead
In an era where aging populations face increasing barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care, geriatric house call programs offer a compassionate, patient-centered solution. By bringing healthcare directly into the homes of our most vulnerable seniors, these programs not only improve health outcomes and quality of life but also reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and healthcare costs.
As we look to the future of elder care, expanding and supporting house call services will be essential in building a more inclusive and effective healthcare system—one that honors dignity, independence, and quality of life for every aging adult.