This Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Geriatrics Institute article is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health.
When it comes to healthcare, the elderly have exceptional needs. Research shows that as people get older, their likelihood of suffering from a chronic disease, disability, mental illness, or combination thereof increases. Because of this, seniors need holistic healthcare that considers all facets of mental and physical wellness.
For New Jersey patients, The James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute of Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus is a leader in the field of senior healthcare.
The institute has multiple components that attend to different aspects of healthcare. This gives seniors a comprehensive package all in one location.
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The Benefits of Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Geriatrics Institute
One unique component to the care Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Geriatrics Institute can provide is the Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM) Unit. GEM is an emergency room which is separate from the rest of the hospital’s emergency department. The number of seniors visiting emergency rooms has increased dramatically, but ERs can be chaotic, traumatic places for older adults. The GEM at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus provides a calmer environment with staff who specialize in geriatric care.
For seniors who need admission to the hospital, there is the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit. Physicians, nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other staff all work together to develop patient-centered care plans for all older adults treated in this unit.
Dr. Jessica Israel is the corporate chair of geriatrics for RWJBarnabas Health and medical director of the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. She believes that really getting to know the patients, their families and their stories is crucial to the work. It not only makes them feel more respected and comfortable, it improves the quality of care they receive.
Holistic Care for Seniors
The Geriatrics Institute offers truly holistic care; attending to both physical and mental health. Social workers who specialize in elder issues are always available to help families cope with the emotional hardships that often come with geriatric illness. The institute also offers support groups on a variety of topics, including bereavement, care-giving and even grandparents raising grandchildren.
Rehabilitation is also a crucial component of the services provided by the institute. Physical, occupational, speech and audiology therapists all work full-time to help patients recover from hospital stays. These professionals also work in the ACE unit to help patients get ready for their transition from inpatient to outpatient care.
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus does not only aim to care for elders when they get sick; it also aims to help them stay well. In that spirit, the hospital offers the Better Health Senior Membership Program as a complement to the Geriatrics Institute. Members get access to preventative screenings, exercise programs and educational events on how to stay healthy as you age.
As the senior population continues to grow, and their healthcare needs expand, the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute of Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus has risen to the challenge. The staff aim to make geriatric and palliative care more human, prioritizing compassion for and understanding of the individual. This, coupled with a holistic approach to wellness, makes the institute a leader in the world of geriatric care.
All Photos: Provided by RWJBarnabas Health
