Senior Services

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Geriatric assessments consist of two separate appointments and are designed to evaluate cognitive and/or mood concerns.

• At the first appointment (2-2 ½ hours) the patient will meet with the geriatrician, clinical pharmacist, and the neuropsychologist. Although family or caregivers are welcome to accompany the patient to the appointment, they are not allowed to be in the room with the patient. The geriatrician does not meet with family until the geriatric conference.
• Cognitive testing, done by the neuropsychologist, is covered by Medicare but will be billed separately.
• Blood work is often ordered at this initial appointment and it is important to have lab tests drawn as soon as possible to assist with the appropriate evaluation.
• The geriatric conference is approximately two weeks after the original assessment and results of the assessment will be provided at this time. Family/caregivers and the patient should attend this appointment. We must be contacted in advance if one of the parties is not available to attend the conference in person so that preparation or rescheduling can occur.
• Recommendations by the care team, including a geriatric case manager, will be provided at the conference and may include: Management of financial and legal matters, management of medications, ability to continue driving, level of assistance/supervision on a daily basis, and community resources available.
• Generally, a 6-8 week follow-up will be scheduled at the time of the conference and further appointments as indicated.

Geriatric consultations are one-hour appointments for the evaluation of specific geriatric concerns such as dementia, falls, complex medication management, frailty, and/or multimorbidity (the presence of two or more chronic medical conditions in an individual). Although patients and families generally have multiple concerns, it may be necessary to prioritize the geriatric concerns for the initial evaluation. Additional concerns can be addressed at subsequent visits.

Family members and/or caregivers are encouraged to attend the consultation appointment. These are scheduled at our Indianapolis and Carmel offices. [link to the contact us square]

• The consultation will consist of two parts:
  • First, the geriatrician will meet with the patient individually for about 30 minutes.
  • Second, the patient and family (and/or caregivers) will meet with a specialized geriatric case manager to discuss evaluation results and recommendations.
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled if appropriate for the continued management of a specific geriatric concern. Other health needs will remain under the supervision of the primary care physician.

Geriatric, senior-focused, primary care clinics are located in several assisted living communities. These clinics are staffed by specialized geriatric nurse practitioners in collaboration with a St. Vincent geriatrician.

For a list of current locations in the Indianapolis area, please call 317-338-7780.

Depression is not a normal part of growing older. If you or a loved one has feelings of anxiety or extreme sadness that last for weeks or more, talk to a St. Vincent Senior Health Counselor. We specialize in helping older adults who are coping with all types of changes (not just medical). Depression is real and treatable. Don’t let feelings of grief, sadness or anxiety keep you from participating in normal activities.

How do I know if I am depressed?

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
• Changes in sleep habits
• Decreased appetite or overeating
• Thought of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains that don’t get better with treatment

^{Source: CDC.gov / Healthy Aging Home/ Mental Health & Aging}

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm

Having a chronic illness like heart disease or cancer, or having multiple health concerns, increases the risk for depression. You could feel better with the appropriate treatment.

Geriatric Care Management is a patient-centered program designed to assist older adults and their families as they are challenged to make difficult decisions regarding one’s overall health and care. A geriatric care manager can lead patients and families through the decision-making process of ensuring quality and safe care, while focusing on what matters to the patient.

A geriatric care manager will:

• Assess and monitor care needs
• Assist with planning and problem solving
• Provide education regarding diagnosis, care planning and resources
• Provide direction to families as they work to ensure safe and comfortable care for their loved one.

The geriatric care manager can attend medical appointments or check on a loved one if you’re out of town. This healthcare advocate can help find the right homecare provider, assisted living facility or senior living community. A geriatric care manager can provide the support and direction you need, when you need it.

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Office at St. Vincent Indianapolis offers free, unbiased counseling and information about:

• Medicare
• Medicare Supplement Insurance
• Medicare Managed Care Plans
• Medicaid
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• The Indiana Long-Term Care Insurance Program
• Confusing medical bills/statements

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary/Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB/SLMB) helps seniors who struggle with the financial strain of Medicare deductibles and co-payments. St. Vincent screens potential applicants and assists with the required application paperwork.

• Appointment Checklist
• Intake form
• Medication Worksheet

• Counseling consent form
• Counseling intake form

Who are Care Managers?

At the Center for Healthy Aging, our Geriatric Care Managers are registered nurses and clinical social workers with extensive education and experience in working with seniors, families and the complex, evolving healthcare environment.

Why choose St. Vincent Care Management?

We are a statewide leader with more than 20 years of experience. The Center for Healthy Aging has a compassionate, caring, multidisciplinary team. We serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families through our mission to promote graceful aging through physical, spiritual, social and emotional wellness. We help older adults live with dignity as independently as possible, for as long as possible, embracing aging-in-place and family/caregiver support as central to successful aging. Care Manager Program takes this mission to the community, bringing the St. Vincent Spirit of Caring to your home.

Is there a fee and is it covered by health insurance?

The St. Vincent Care Management Program is a fee-for-service program. Care managers can provide unbiased, independent individual assessment, develop a comprehensive personalized care plan, and assist clients and families in finding the best available care options for their loved ones.

Are there education programs available?

Our care managers are also available as community resources and as speakers. They address topics related to healthy aging, senior health, spirituality and aging, health promotion through the life span, and coping with life changes and transitions. We lead support groups in churches, synagogues, community centers, and senior living facilities.

Can you help with local, state and national resources?

We assist in navigating and accessing appropriate community, state, and national resources, as well as support programs.

How can I make or obtain a referral to work with a St. Vincent Care Manager?

Medical professionals, community agencies and facilities may refer a client to Care Management. Families and individuals may also self-refer. For additional information call the St. Vincent Center for Healthy Aging in Indianapolis, 317-338-7780.

Online resource links

Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

National Institute On Aging (NIA)

National Institute on Aging E-Alerts

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/alzheimer.htm

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/putting-exercise-test-people-risk-alzheimers

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/if-family-member-has-alzheimers-disease-will-i-have-it-too

^{Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/if-family-member-has-alzheimers-disease-will-i-have-it-too}

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30th Annual Conference on Aging
Creating Age-friendly Healthcare
Friday, March 15, 2019

Ritz Charles - 12156 N. Meridian Street, Carmel, IN

The time is now! It is time to explore how to make our health system more amenable to care for our aging population. Never in the history humankind have we had so many people over the age of 65 alive at on time. The requires new insights and perspectives on how healthcare is delivered. Not only do we need to understand disease centered care for older adults, we need consideration of what matters to each individual, their mentation, medications, and mobility: the "4Ms." It is the culmination of these non disease-centered areas of health that bring us to a possibility of true age-friendly care. This is care that needs integration at a population level and implementation on a personal level. How we achieve age-friendly healthcare for older adults involves exploring new information and ideas for healthcare professionals to not only contemplate, but to act on.

The conference will aim to provide examples of age-friendly care: What does age-friendly care look like? How can we work together to create an age-friendly culture? And how do we provide the care? Participants will learn that older adult concerns and dilemmas are often interrelated and cross several of the "4Ms", such as ethical decisions, determining prognosis, driving concerns, sleep difficulties in dementia patients, use of cannabis for pain control, motivating mobility, to name a few. Many of our topics are delivered in 15-minute segments so you are able to get a brief understanding of multiple considerations.

This conference is meant to enhance the knowledge base and skills of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians, allied health and rehabilitation therapists, social workers, health facility administrators, and other interested healthcare professionals.

Build a support system with people who understand. The facilitators of the support group are affiliated with the St. Vincent Center for Healthy Aging. Come to a caregiver support group on the first Wednesday at 6 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. To learn more about this support group or to find other groups close to you, contact www.alz.org/indiana or call 1-800-272-3900.

Download the flyer [PDF]

Referrals may be made by family members, physicians, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, social workers, case managers, and any other involved party who feels an individual may benefit from this type of treatment.

Downloadable Admission Criteria form:

To inquire about the Serenity Unit and how to make a referral, call 812-897-7440.
Fax: 812-897-7444

Daily Visiting Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Please limit to 2 visitors per patient.

A comprehensive geriatric assessment is used to evaluate both medical and psychological concerns. An individualized treatment plan is provided for each patient.

• Free Initial Mental Health Assessment - The initial assessment by a mental health professional is free and confidential. These assessments are generally performed within 24 hours. The information is then reviewed by our psychiatric director to determine if the individual is appropriate for inpatient treatment. Individuals may be assessed by their personal physicians, while being admitted to the hospital or emergency room, at nursing homes, or may be brought to the Serenity Unit office for an assessment.

Through the Serenity Unit, we provide a variety of therapeutic interventions:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Coping and life training skills
• Activity therapy groups
• Exercise and stress reduction therapy
• Pastoral counseling

Families are included in the therapeutic process. In group settings, peer patients are grouped by age and life experiences.

Family members are encouraged to attend weekly family conferences. These conferences give you, your family, and Serenity staff the opportunity to sit down and discuss your progress in treatment, and give your family the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

• Medication management and education
• Individualized continuing care plan for discharged patients and their families
• Aftercare planning to maintain the improvement made in treatment