When a 70-year-old man goes to see his primary care doctor during a serious illness, seeing a familiar face makes all the difference.
Those moments provide opportunity for physicians and their staffs to build relationships and support systems with older patients, making it possible for them to remain at home as long as possible, Dr. Chelsea Harrison said.
Geisinger’s 65 Forward program on West Olive Street Scranton provides opportunity for older adults to access multiple services and supports under one roof. (SUBMITTED)
Geisinger’s 65 Forward program on West Olive Street Scranton provides opportunity for older adults to access multiple services and supports under one roof. (SUBMITTED)
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Geisinger’s 65 Forward program on West Olive Street Scranton provides opportunity for older adults to access multiple services and supports under one roof. (SUBMITTED)
Harrison, a Geisinger doctor who practices at the Pittston location, said “aging in place” goes beyond simply waking up in the same place every day. Instead, it allows older adults to maintain dignity and independence in their own homes, and remain in familiar surroundings.
In Northeast Pennsylvania, Geisinger supports that goal through specialized initiatives, including LIFE Geisinger and the 65 Forward programs.
The 65 Forward program, with facilities in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Kingston and Hazleton, provides older adults not only with a dedicated primary care doctor, but also access to nutrition and fitness guidance, socialization and educational activities.
The program is available to those 55 and older.
Those walking into a 65 Forward facility might be surprised at its nontraditional setting. In addition to traditional medical rooms and offices, there is a television area, coffee available and plenty of snacks.
In addition, an exercise area offers treadmills, light weights and other equipment.
Patients of 65 Forward can also get their lab work done at the site, allowing them to get their blood drawn and tested in the same building as their primary care appointment, providing an “all under-one-roof” experience.
LIFE program keeps seniors home longer
LIFE Geisinger provides services beyond medical care, including medication management, pharmacist oversight, transportation to the center, home care, nutrition counseling, physical therapy, social work intervention and other services.
The program, short for “Living Independence for Elders,” provides the opportunity for older adults to remain at home longer, rather than entering a nursing facility.
Such supportive services provide older adults with the opportunity to remain at home while also enjoying the benefits of spending time with others and remaining active — two things that help older people maximize the quality of their lives.
Asset to the community
“As more of the population ages, we are seeing more of a need for resources to help people be able to stay in their homes,” Harrison said. “There is good medical evidence that quality of life is better for people who are able to remain in their homes as they age, rooted with family and community.”
In the past, it was more likely for older people to be living in a multigenerational household.
But, as the older population grows and it is increasingly less likely to have family nearby, it’s more important to have resources in place for patients as they age, Harrison said.
Geisinger staff can help patients assess their need for those resources and assist them in accessing them.
Other services are available to patients through the Geisinger at Home program, which brings doctors, registered nurses, dietitians, case managers and other support staff to homes, to provide services.
The program provides in-home visits, virtual check-ins and remote monitoring technology, as an option to an extended hospital stay.
Harrison reminds seniors about the validity of the concept of “use it or lose it,” which applies to physical exercise, as well as socialization and recreation.
Assessing the needs of older adults and then working to meet those needs in a way that is most comfortable for them helps them reach their potential and enjoy their life to the fullest, she said.