Richmond University Medical Center will launch a Gerontology Institute this spring with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. The hospital aims to expand services for Staten Island’s growing older adult population.
The institute will center on a dedicated care team, including a full-time geriatrician, a gerontologist and a program coordinator.
The team will anchor a new senior primary care practice at RUMC’s New Springville Center for Family Health and Specialty Services, located at the Staten Island Mall. The center opened in December.
“Our Gerontology Institute will fill an existing gap here on Staten Island in regard to services for our older adult population by improving access to medical professionals and service lines laser focused on their unique needs,” RUMC President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Messina said.
Messina said the institute will establish consistent outpatient primary care relationships for seniors at higher risk for hospital readmission or adverse outcomes.
Beyond primary care, the institute will coordinate a network connecting hospital services, physician practices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, community organizations and home-based supports. The goal is to improve transitions between care settings and ensure more continuous care throughout hospital, outpatient, post-discharge and home environments.
Jeffrey Lieto, executive vice president of the Richmond Health Network and RUMC’s chief strategy officer, said Staten Island has seen a substantial increase in the population 65 and older over the past decade. He said the hospital is creating programs designed to address the needs of older adults and their families.
“Throughout our country and city, there are serious limitations on customized programs of care for our older population,” Lieto said.
Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, chief executive officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, said the grants demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to addressing urgent needs while strengthening systems and a workforce that will support New Yorkers’ health.