More about Health First Aging Institute

Our facilities

For your convenience we have offices located on Merritt Island and in Melbourne.

We want to collaborate with you, your family/caregivers and your primary care physician to improve your health, functioning, and understanding of the complex issues of aging. Our team will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your physical, cognitive, social, and emotional concerns. A full report or our findings and recommendations can be provided to you, your family, and your primary care provider.

Our patients

Patients who typically benefit from these services include those with questions or concerns about:

Health

• Memory loss/dementia
• Falls or gait imbalance
• Social isolation
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Weight gain or loss
• Medication issues
• Multiple medical problems

Daily functioning

• Difficulty managing alone at home
• Need for daily assistance
• Possible need for alternative living arrangements
• Driving concerns
• Caregiver concerns

Meet our teams

Members of our interdisciplinary team at Merritt Island include:

• Rosemary Laird, MD, a fellowship-trained Geriatrician with vast experience in the myriad of concerns of aging. Her special focus is memory loss, including dementia/Alzheimer's disease.
• Kalpana P. Desai, MD, joined the Health First Aging Institute as the Associate Medical Director for the Merritt Island Office. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Bariatric Medicine (weight management). Her special focuses are: geriatrics, hospice, dermatological lesion removal, and patients 55 years and above.
• Lori Schuh, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and counselor with experience in aging, providing access to resources, social support and counseling to patients and caregivers dealing with the challenges of aging

Members of our interdisciplinary team in Melbourne include:

• Rosemary Laird, MD, a fellowship-trained Geriatrician with vast experience in the myriad of concerns of aging, including dementia/Alzheimer's disease
• Visa Srinivasan, MD, "Dr. Visa", a fellowship-trained Geriatrician with expertise in the management of aging issues
• Social workers support the care of our patients by providing access to resources, social support and counseling to patients and their caregivers dealing with the challenges of aging

A team of specialist representing physical, occupational, and speech therapy; pharmacy; nutritional services; home care; private duty nursing; and hospice can be called to assist in your care as needed.

Resources

Online resources available: ElderCARE - ElderCARE is a free online information, referral, and care coordination resource for older adults and those who care about them.

Referrals

Self-referral or physician referral are accepted for patients 65 years of age and over. (Please call to discuss needs for younger individuals.) Medicare and most secondary insurers cover our services.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact our Merritt Island team at 321-868-5815 or our Melbourne team at 321-727-3370.