- Joseph Z. and Louise H. Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging
- Our Physicians
- Medical Test Checklist for Seniors
The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler :: Joseph Z. and Louise H. Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging
Specialists in Senior Care
Just as pediatricians specialize in treating children’s illnesses, geriatricians are doctors who are trained to care for the unique medical needs of older people.
Dealing with a serious disease or chronic medical condition can significantly affect older adults’ quality of life and place demands on family and caregivers. Geriatricians and medical professionals who are familiar with the physical and mental effects of aging can help older adults “age well” by maintaining their physical and mental well being.
A Team Approach to Health Care
At the Joseph Z. and Louise H. Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging, we believe in a team approach to health care. Our team includes doctors certified in geriatric medicine, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, nurses, and other health care professionals with expertise in health care for older adults.
With the active involvement of our patients and their families, we combine our skills and all available community resources to provide our patients with the best health care and quality of life possible.
Common Health and Aging Problems We Care For
- Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Falls, Injuries, or Balance Problems
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Elevated Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Nutrition
- Pressure Ulcers
- Bladder Incontinence and Disorders
- Sleep Problems
- Driving Safety
- End-of-Life Issues and Hospice Care
Physicians: We have internal medicine and family medicine physicians specially trained and certified in adult aging and geriatrics.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): With expertise in caring for older adults, our nurse practitioners are registered nurses (RNs) with extensive training in the management of common health problems, adult aging, and geriatrics.
Social Workers: The goal of our social workers is to evaluate patients’ psychological and social needs, enabling them to receive the best possible care.
Nurses: Our nurses work with patients every step of the way to see that they receive the right care, with the right professional, at the right time.
Other Team Members: The Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging staff calls on other health care specialists when needed, including master’s level pharmacists, physical therapists, and dietitians.
Outpatient Clinic Services: Our entire health care team works together to understand all of our patients’ health care needs and to manage difficult problems such as memory loss, mobility loss, osteoporosis, over-medication, and other issues that reduce health and quality of life.
Nursing Home Team: Because of UT Health Northeast’s expertise in caring for older adults, our physicians and nurse practitioners work closely with partner nursing homes to help them offer the highest standards of medical care in a nursing home setting.
At the Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging, we are dedicated to providing programs of excellence in clinical care, public education, and training for health care professionals, and in clinical and basic research. The physicians and staff of the Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging are also dedicated advocates for public policies that affect our growing senior population.
New Patient Appointments
To schedule a new patient appointment or for more information about the Ornelas Center for Healthy Aging, please call (903) 877-7000.