The Geriatric Care Program
Compassionate, Coordinated Care
Aging Gracefully
Caring for the elderly is both an honor and a challenge for caregivers as they balance the physical, psychological and social needs that are associated with aging. With a special focus on geriatric care, Memorial Regional Hospital South is dedicated to providing a full continuum of care for patients and their families. The Geriatric Care Program at Memorial Regional Hospital South is available to individuals age 65 or older who come from home or a long-term care setting.
A Team Approach
Memorial Regional Hospital South’s Geriatric Care Program provides quality care to the elderly patients we serve by taking a holistic, family-centered care approach. An interdisciplinary care team works closely with the patient, the family and referring physician to thoroughly assess the patient’s condition and creates a personalized geriatric care plan with the goal of improving quality of life and independence.
In addition to considering the patient’s medical history and current health condition, the team evaluates the patient for such possible “geriatric syndromes” as incontinence, frequent falls, memory problems, and possible side effects that can result from using multiple medications. A dedicated gerontologist serves as the program’s medical director and oversees each patient’s plan of care, including medication and pain management.
The Geriatric Care Team includes the following professionals:
- Dietician
- Geriatric Care Manager
- Geriatric Certified Pharmacist
- Gerontologist
- Physical Therapist
- Registered Nurse specially trained in geriatrics
- Safety Advocate
- Social Worker
- Volunteer Advocate
True Continuity of Care
Due to the often complex needs of elderly patients, providing continuity of care is especially important. We have streamlined our admissions process to allow patients who enter the Emergency Department at Memorial Regional Hospital South through the Geriatric Care Program to receive priority care. This minimizes the anxiety of waiting in an unfamiliar environment. The Geriatric Care Team works in collaboration with local skilled nursing facilities and adult living facilities to provide pre-admission documents and materials to help ensure continuity of care.
In addition to diagnostic care and treatment, the team considers the many aspects of the patient’s life, including social support from spouses and families, as well as living conditions. The team also evaluates the patient’s ability to perform such daily living activities as bathing, dressing and eating.
The Geriatric Care Team works closely with the patient’s referring physician, providing diagnostic results and collaborating on the optimal plan of care.
For Your Convenience
Our recently renovated facility offers patients a private room for a comfortable atmosphere designed to promote safety and healing. We recognize the importance of friends and family in care and recovery, and visitors are welcome at any time.
Parking is available at no charge in front of the hospital.
ACE Unit — Acute Care for Elders
The ACE Unit at Memorial Regional Hospital South is a unique inpatient unit providing high-level specialized care for elderly patients. The homelike environment and care philosophy are based on proven, effective practices, including those established by Nurses Improving the Care of Healthsystem Elders (NICHE).
It is the only unit of its type in the region under the medical direction of a fellowship-trained, board-certified geriatrician; and the specially trained physicians, nurses and staff provide multidisciplinary patient- and family-centered care. Daily visits and individualized care plans focus on each patient’s needs. Family members are welcome and encouraged to participate.
The comfortable, family-friendly setting includes a day room, where patients and families can enjoy activities, meals, movies and educational healthcare materials.
Additional ACE Unit amenities include:
- 24-hour open visitation
- Specialty beds to help prevent skin breakdown
- Specialty phones for easier dialing
- Special lighting designed to mimic sunlight and help prevent depression
- Clocks with large displays for easier viewing
- White boards and calendars
- Illustrated menus
- Computer equipment designed to enhance communication for patients with vision or hearing impairments
- Blanket warmers for patient comfort
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or learn more about Memorial Regional Hospital South Geriatric Care Program, please call (954) 518-5660.
For referral to a Memorial physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
