As a doctor with more than 20 years of experience in senior care, Kristen Nebel, DO, has had many meaningful encounters with older adults. She has also observed how health care needs often go unmet for homebound seniors, dementia patients and those with acute concerns.

While working for local health organizations it became evident to Dr. Nebel that most older adults prefer to remain in their homes for comfort, cost savings and personal fulfillment. This realization inspired her to establish Peace of Mind Aging & Wellness, a membership-based, in-home direct primary care practice for adults 50 and older. Dr. Nebel visits patients in their homes, dedicating at least an hour per visit to fully understand their needs, concerns, and engage family members and caregivers.

Staying in a familiar environment with minimal disruption helps older patients feel more relaxed. If Dr. Nebel runs late for an appointment, patients can wait comfortably at home instead of in a waiting room.

Patients pay a monthly fee to be part of Peace of Mind Aging & Wellness. The practice doesn’t bill or submit to insurance or Medicare. The fee includes physician visits, in-home lab draws, vaccinations and other convenience services.

Many adult children caring for aging parents struggle with the stress of transporting them to multiple appointments with different providers or navigating the phone trees of large hospital networks. In-home care offers peace of mind, knowing a local provider is easily accessible.

“The name Peace of Mind Aging & Wellness entails all the qualities I want to instill and offer to others,” shares Dr. Nebel. “I really enjoy offering physical and mental health care that gives patients and their families peace of mind.”

Dr. Nebel’s specialties include geriatric primary care services, dementia care, family and caregiver support and education, and end-of-life care. She takes a holistic approach for individuals interested in using sleep, supplements and diet to address chronic diseases, including dementia.

“That may look like considering nontraditional causes for a specific disease or symptom, or talking about supplements to treat a condition as opposed to a medication,” she says. “I take a personalized approach that looks at the needs and interests of the individual, as opposed to fitting my patients into a prescribed algorithm.”

With growing awareness of dementia, Dr. Nebel is trained to identify contributing risk factors. She addresses these issues individually and offers tailored approaches to optimize health, potentially slowing or improving chronic conditions.

Dr. Nebel is also trained in cranial osteopathy, a technique that helps detect subtle changes in fluid and tissue quality that affect the body’s function. Once identified, she then treats these areas of dysfunction.

As a certified death doula, she provides nonmedical support to those that are dying while emotionally supporting their caregivers. “That might entail education, legacy projects, listening to their concerns and offering emotional support,” says Dr. Nebel.

The therapeutic touch and presence service, sometimes combined with essential oils, is designed to bring comfort. “It’s based on the needs of the individual. A lot of suffering seen at the end of life is due not only to physical causes but also spiritual,” notes Dr. Nebel.

Caregivers play a vital role in a patient’s well-being, whether they are a spouse, family member or other individual providing daily care. Because caregivers are with the patient day in and day out, Dr. Nebel values their input and works with them to develop treatment plans while providing education and support.

“Listening and validation are important for all of us,” Dr. Nebel emphasizes. She can recommend community resources and make referrals if a family must consider senior living, assisted living or nursing home placement.

Professional capacity evaluations help determine whether an individual can make legal decisions regarding their health or finances. Dr. Nebel offers these evaluations and provides expert testimony as an independent consultant.

Dr. Nebel completed a fellowship in geriatrics at Lancaster General Hospital and is board certified in family medicine and geriatrics. She sees more inclusive in-home medical care, nonmedical caregiver support and dementia consultations as a new horizon for her senior services. “Helping the aging population is very fulfilling and satisfying work,” she reflects. “I enjoy being able to help bring peace and comfort to others.”

Peace of Mind Aging & Wellness serves Lancaster County. For more information, call 717-723-8531 or visit PeaceOfMind Aging.com.