Originally published February 2019
As we get older, it’s common to face more than one health issue at a time and to take several medications to manage those conditions. The way diseases and medicines affect older adults can also be very different from how they affect younger people.
That’s why it’s so important to have access to health care that truly understands the needs of aging adults.
Care Designed for Older Adults
At Kent Hospital, the Care New England Geriatric Medicine Program provides direct care and education on best practices for supporting older adults.
One important resource is the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) inpatient unit. Here, patients are cared for by a team of:
- Hospitalists
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Nurses
- Geriatricians – medical doctors who specialize in treating adults over age 65, whether they are generally healthy or managing multiple medical conditions.
“Our team manages all the health issues of an older patient, designing care plans that focus on the whole person, with ‘what matters to you’ at the core,” explains Ana Tuya Fulton, MD, FACP, AGSF, executive chief of geriatrics and palliative care at Care New England. “We provide consultation for patients admitted for medical, surgical, and other conditions, while also improving coordination of care and communication with families, caregivers, and the primary team.”
Specialized Care Across Our Hospitals
The Senior Treatment Unit provides care for adults 65+ with psychiatric conditions, including memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and other cognitive or behavioral challenges. The care team includes social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, and geriatric psychiatrists.
The Geriatric Medicine Program also supports this unit with medical consultations and participation in care planning.
The Program in Women’s Oncology offers a geriatric medicine consultation clinic for older women with cancer. Because cancer often affects aging adults, this program looks at each patient’s risks and helps guide treatment decisions. Recommendations are shared with the patient, their family, and referring provider so they can choose the best path forward together.
Supporting Transitions and Quality of Life
When it’s time for a patient to leave the hospital, Care New England helps make the transition back to the community as smooth as possible. Social work liaisons coordinate with families and local skilled nursing facilities, and the VNA of Care New England provides services such as skilled nursing, wound care, rehabilitation, palliative care, and hospice when needed.
Our Palliative Care Program offers additional support for patients who need help managing symptoms or who may benefit from hospice care. Both the geriatric medicine and palliative care teams work together to focus on what matters most to each patient, creating a plan that enhances quality of life.
As a Conversation Ready sponsor organization, Care New England puts patient-centered care and dignity first. Whether you’re caring for an aging loved one or seeking care for yourself, we have the expertise and resources to provide the specialized support you need.
