Contact Us
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of older adults. Geriatricians are internal medicine or family medicine doctors with an additional specialty in geriatrics. These specialists focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and problems common to the elderly. In addition, they coordinate care with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, dieticians and psychiatrists, to make sure patients receive the comprehensive services they need.
Greenwich Hospital is one of 300 hospitals across the country participating in NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Hospitalized Elderly). NICHE is the only national geriatric initiative of its kind to provide systematic training and resources to assure older hospitalized patients receive sensitive and exemplary care.
Greenwich Hospital offers a comprehensive program of care for older adults through its Center for Healthy Aging. The Center has received national recognition as Center of Excellence from the American Geriatrics Society. Services are available to assure older patients and their families get the care and support they need in the hospital and at home.
Elderly patients often have special requirements while they are hospitalized. A geriatrician and social worker from the Center meet with individual patients as needed. The Center also trains nurses to identify and address any age-related issues that may arise. Pharmacy, nutrition, physical therapy, case management and other resources are available to help prevent physical and mental decline and assure a successful stay.
In addition, the Center for Healthy Aging offers a wide range of outpatient programs to improve quality of life for older adults and their families. These include:
The Center for Healthy Aging also offers a resource library and its GENERATIONS program, which provides a variety of services to members age 50 and older.
Individuals scheduled for an assessment meet with experts who are skilled in treating medical and social issues related to older adults.
Geriatrician
This physician is board-certified in geriatric medicine. The geriatrician has particular expertise in the management of problems common to the elderly. Your own physician manages your ongoing care and may request a consultation with a geriatrician for help in establishing a diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Social Services Liaison
A social services liaison provides information about community resources and helps people access in-home assistance, respite care, housing, support groups, various entitlement programs and other services as needed.
What to expect in an aging assessment
People who have age-related medical, psychological, cognitive or social issues that interfere with daily life may benefit from an aging assessment. Individuals may be referred to the Center by a family physician, relatives, concerned friends, social service agencies or other health care providers. A written order from the individual’s primary care physician helps us communicate more effectively with the patient’s doctor.
This 1½- to 2-hour appointment includes an interview and examination by a board-certified geriatric physician. A social services liaison may be called in as needed.
The assessment reviews overall health history and current health status. Patients are also screened for cognitive problems, incontinence, falls, depression, nutritional status and other age-related concerns. At the end, findings and recommendations are discussed with the patient and family. The geriatric health team will make appropriate referrals if more diagnostic testing or specialty services are needed.
What happens after the first visit?
Following the evaluation, the patient’s referring doctor will receive the geriatrician’s report summarizing the findings and listing any recommendations. Patients may also receive referrals to local agencies and specialty services. These may include geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychology, physical therapy, nutrition and others as needed.
Follow-up appointments can be made as appropriate.
What role does the family play?
An assessment can help family members and caregivers better understand the needs and concerns of the patient. We encourage relatives and caregivers to attend the initial visit to lend support and provide additional information as needed. Often the geriatric team will suggest ways to reduce daily frustrations for everyone concerned. Communicating with family members who live far away can help them feel more comfortable about the care provided to the patient.
What about cost and insurance coverage?
Traditional Medicare and private insurance generally cover the majority of costs associated with a geriatric assessment. Costs not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the patient or the family. Additional tests or specialty services ordered at the time of the visit will be billed separately by the hospital department providing the service.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Mental health conditions such as depression are common in later life. A geriatric psychiatrist is a physician highly trained in the management of emotional and behavioral problems related to aging. Interventions may include both counseling and medication. Individuals may be referred by themselves, their family or a physician.
Good mental health is key to aging well. Older adults experiencing chronic emotional distress related to aging may benefit from specialized psychiatric therapy. Geriatric psychiatry experts at Greenwich Hospital offer evaluation, treatment and attentive follow-up care to patients age 60 and older.
Memory failure, problem behavior, mood disturbance, anxiety, or difficulty coping with losses and transitions can all be addressed in these outpatient sessions. Family members or others concerned about an older adult may also benefit from treatment.
Our experienced staff offers a wide range of services:
Our Geriatric Psychiatry Staff
Our geriatric psychiatry team includes a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist, licensed clinical social workers and a nurse practitioner. They are highly trained to provide diagnosis and compassionate care for the emotional problems of later life. Treatment is tailored to the unique needs of patients, including the family when appropriate.
An experienced geriatric social worker is available to consult with family members about the emotional, behavioral and social needs of their loved one. Referrals or requests for treatment can come from physicians, other health care providers as well as the patient, or family members.
Medicare and many other insurances are accepted. For further information please call 203-863-3316.
Comprehensive Aging Assessment
People with age-related medical, psychological, cognitive or social issues that interfere with daily life may benefit from an aging assessment. It provides detailed information about current health status and recommendations to help prepare for the future. Individuals may be referred to the Center by a family physician, relatives, concerned friends, social service agencies or other health care providers. The assessment is conducted by an interdisciplinary team headed by a board-certified geriatrician who specializes in aging issues. A written order from the individual’s primary care physician helps us communicate more effectively with the patient’s doctor. Fee.
Psychiatric Evaluation
Depression and behavioral issues that accompany memory loss or dementia are common later in life. Counseling, medication, or a combination of both, often help patients feel better, more productive and satisfied with life. The Center for Healthy Aging’s geriatric psychiatrist is highly trained in the management of emotional and behavioral problems related to aging. For more information, call 203-863-4373. Fee.
Family Caregiving Consultation
An experienced licensed clinical social worker meets privately with families to discuss needs and challenges related to caring for a person with dementia or chronic disease. The goal is to enable caregivers to adequately address concerns and make knowledgeable decisions. To arrange a consultation, contact Roni Lang, LCSW, at 203-863-4375. Fee.
The Center for Healthy Aging and Research Center for Clinical Studies, Inc. is currently conducting clinical trials in Alzheimer's and dementia. For information on how you or your loved one are able to participate, please call 203-838-0070.
Support Groups
Support groups offered through the Center for Healthy Aging are free. Please call ahead before attending to make sure the group is suitable for your needs.
Please call 203-863-4375 for specific information about support groups and meeting sites.
Women's Spousal Support Group: This support group is designed for women who provide care for a chronically ill spouse. Find new friends, practical information and emotional support. The group provides a forum to address the many concerns of spousal caregivers. It also gives caregivers a much-needed break or respite to be with others living with a similar situation. Meets twice a month (the second and fourth Thursdays) at the hospital's Center for Healthy Aging from 1:00-2:15pm. Group size is limited to 10 members, so please call 203-863-4375 to preregister. free.
Family Caregiver Support Group: Become a savvy caregiver. This group provides support for adults who care for a family member with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. Individuals meet twice a month to talk with caregiving peers and share advice about common difficulties and challenges. Led by a clinical social worker with expertise in family counseling and caregiver concerns. Meets the first and third Thursday of each month at the hospital's Center for Healthy Aging, 1:00-2:15pm. Group size is limited to 10 members, so please call 203-863-4375 to preregister. free.
Programs
GENERATIONS: This free membership program is offered to adults age 50 and older. Members enjoy stimulating seminars ranging from the science of laughter to the joys of late-life learning. From disease prevention to caring for older relatives, GENERATIONS aims to stimulate the mind and encourage discussion.
Eligibility: Any person age 50 or older who resides in the Greenwich Hospital service area can join.
Benefits include:
GENERATIONS Platinum offers additional benefits for a one-time fee of $65. To join GENERATIONS or GENERATIONS Platinum, call toll-free 877-838-4888.
With MyChart, you can view your test results and doctor's comments from the comfort of your own home.
Go To MyChart
Yale New Haven Health is proud to be affiliated with the prestigious Yale University and its highly ranked Yale School of Medicine.
