The Power of Preventive Care for Seniors: Staying Healthy at Every Age

Why Prevention Is the Foundation of Better Health

At Family Doctors of Bradenton and Family Doctors of Manatee, we believe great healthcare begins before you feel unwell.

That’s the heart of preventive care — identifying risks early, managing chronic conditions proactively, and helping you maintain your independence for years to come.

Preventive care for seniors goes far beyond an annual checkup. It’s about creating a personalized plan that includes Medicare wellness visits, vaccines, health screenings, and lifestyle guidance — all designed to help you stay healthy at every stage of life.

What Is Preventive Care for Seniors?

Preventive care means taking steps to avoid illness before it starts. For seniors, it plays a vital role in staying active, reducing hospital visits, and maintaining quality of life.

Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is the cornerstone of this approach. It’s covered once every 12 months and gives your provider time to:

• Review your medications and chronic conditions

• Assess risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline

• Screen for depression, fall risk, and memory changes

• Update your vaccine history and preventive screenings

• Develop a personalized care plan for the year ahead

These visits aren’t about rushing through a checklist — they’re about building a relationship and giving you the tools to stay healthy long-term.

Why Preventive Care Matters for Seniors

As we age, our bodies change — and so do our healthcare needs. Preventive visits give your provider the chance to detect small changes early, often before symptoms appear.

At our Bradenton and Manatee offices, we’ve seen firsthand how proactive care can make a difference. Patients who stay current with annual wellness visits and recommended screenings experience:

• Fewer emergency room visits

• Lower risk of hospitalization

• Better management of chronic conditions

• Improved mobility and balance

• Higher overall quality of life

It’s proof that prevention works — and it’s one of the best ways to protect your health and your independence.

Common Preventive Screenings for Seniors

During your Medicare wellness visit, our care team may recommend specific tests or screenings based on your age, family history, and risk factors. Common examples include:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks for heart health

• Diabetes and A1C testing for early detection and management

• Cancer screenings such as colonoscopy or mammogram

• Bone density testing to assess osteoporosis risk

• Vision and hearing evaluations to preserve daily function

• Vaccinations such as flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 boosters

Each of these services plays a role in helping seniors stay healthy, active, and independent.

Partnering With You Through Every Stage of Aging

Our providers — Michelle DiBetta, MD, Steven Ferreira, DO, Sara Wemlinger, DO, Melissa Beljan, DO, and Ebony McPhearson, APRN — work together to deliver coordinated, compassionate care tailored to your goals.

We take the time to explain every step, answer your questions, and help you make informed choices about your health.

Whether it’s updating vaccines, discussing medications, or setting goals for nutrition and fitness, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Covered by Medicare — and Designed for You

The best part? Most preventive services are covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, often at no additional cost to you.

Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is fully covered once a year and is different from a regular physical exam. It focuses on long-term health, preventive screenings, and care coordination — the very foundation of better outcomes.

If you have Humana Gold Plus or another Medicare plan, our team can help ensure your benefits are applied correctly and that you receive every service you’re entitled to.

Staying Healthy Starts With a Conversation

Preventive care isn’t just about lab results — it’s about taking the time to connect, understand, and plan for the future.

At Family Doctors of Bradenton and Family Doctors of Manatee, we’re committed to helping every patient take an active role in their health.

If you haven’t had your Medicare wellness visit this year or aren’t sure when your next preventive screening is due, now is the perfect time to schedule.

Together, we can make this your healthiest year yet.

Schedule Your Medicare Wellness Visit Today

Call Family Doctors of Bradenton or Family Doctors of Manatee to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visitand discover the difference preventive care can make.

Our friendly team will help you review your benefits, coordinate any needed screenings, and ensure you’re on track for a healthier future.