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Patient Care Services
Greenwich Hospital's Center for Healthy Aging offers a wide range of programs designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families. Professional clinical services and consultations are offered in several areas, including memory evaluation, caregiving consultations, home safety assessment, medication interactions and psychiatry. The Center works closely with the hospital's new ACE (Acute Care for the Elderly) Unit for older patients who need specialized attention during their inpatient visits.
The Center also offers a resource library and its popular GENERATIONS program, which provides a variety of services to members age 50 and older. Learn more by calling (203) 863-4374.
Comprehensive Aging Assessment
Who needs our services? Who is eligible?
People who have age-related medical, psychological, cognitive or social issues that interfere with their daily life can benefit from an assessment. An individual may be referred to the Center by a family physician, relatives, concerned friends, social service agencies or other health care providers.
What does the initial visit and assessment include?
- An interview and an examination by a board-certified geriatric physician, geriatric nurse practitioner, pharmacist and gerontologist. A social services liaison may be called as needed. The assessment will take from one-and-a-half to two hours.
- A review of general health history and status.
- Screening for cognitive problems, incontinence, falls, depression, nutritional status and other age-related concerns.
- A discussion of findings and recommendations with the patient and family.
- Referrals as needed for additional diagnostic testing and specialty services.
What happens after the first visit?
After the initial visit, the geriatric health team will generate:
- A geriatrician’s report to the referring doctor that summarizes findings and includes recommendations.
- Referrals to local agencies and specialty services such as geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychology, physical therapy, nutrition and others as needed.
- Follow-up appointments when 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.
How do I make an appointment?
Call the Center for Healthy Aging at (203) 863-4373. You will be asked to provide some preliminary information to help complete your registration.
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.
Additional Web Resources
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