Newswise — CLEVELAND – University Hospitals (UH) health system has launched a new center dedicated to meeting the health and wellness needs of today’s older adults. UH’s new Center for Lifelong Health incorporates the senior care services currently available at UH locations across Northeast Ohio into one comprehensive program. It will offer specialized health care services, social opportunities and educational programming.
A major feature of the center will be a comprehensive range of medical services and customized care plans tailored to the wants and needs of older adult patients and their families.
For example, if a hospitalized senior adult will need rehabilitation care following a hospital stay, UH’s center will provide a coordination team to develop a follow-up medical plan and to connect patients to rehab or skilled nursing facilities close to their homes that accept their medical insurance and treat their specific health care needs. UH also will provide information on whether a facility has UH physicians and nurses, and independent ratings of these facilities.
“Through the center, UH Concierge services will provide individualized education and guidance to patients so they can make informed decisions about their care. The patient-centered program ensures that individual preferences and values direct all decisions related to their care,” said Richard A. Hanson, President, Community Hospitals and Ambulatory Network.
“We are committed to connecting older adults to the right services, at the right place and at the right time,” said Cyndie Bender, Director of the new center. “We know that for a patient or family member, finding services can be confusing. We’ve made it easier so that with one call to our concierge, they will be directed to the UH services, specialists and resources they need while also providing information on community social services. The concierge will stay connected with the patient from hospital to home, and will be available to answer questions when they arise.”
The Center for Lifelong Health also will provide specific services to older adults such as Acute Care for the Elderly, Balance Rehab, Adult Day Care, Home Care, Memory and Cognition Center and Senior Assessments. The “Age Well, Be Well” loyalty program at UH Bedford Medical Center will be expanded so that it is available at all UH hospitals. The Age Well, Be Well “club” helps seniors stay healthy, active and socially engaged by organizing activities such as bowling parties and movie nights, as well as a walking club, yoga classes and local travel for special events. Members will receive UH publications, e-newsletters, educational opportunities and invitations to social programs.
The Center for Lifelong Health will offer services in all UH medical centers (Case, Ahuja, Bedford, Conneaut, Elyria, Geauga, Geneva, Parma, Richmond, St. John Medical Center and Southwest General Health Center).
For more information, call toll-free at 1-844-312-LIFE, email [email protected], or visit the Web site: uhhospitals.org/services/geriatrics/life-long-health.
“Essentially, the Center for Lifelong Health connects patients and their caregivers to the right care and resources they need,” Bender said.
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About University HospitalsUniversity Hospitals, the second largest employer in Northeast Ohio with 25,000 employees, serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 15 hospitals, 28 outpatient health centers and primary care physician offices in 15 counties. At the core of our $3.5 billion health system is University Hospitals Case Medical Center, ranked among America’s 50 best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in all 12 methodology-ranked specialties. The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, UH Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research centers of excellence in the nation, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopaedics, radiology, neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, digestive health, transplantation and genetics. Its main campus includes UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University. For more information, go to www.uhhospitals.org
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