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

The Center for Healthy Aging, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, will be offering a series of educational topics designed to help caregivers meet the needs of their loved ones with dementia. The series is free and open to anyone who is interested.

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}

Senior wellness opportunities are provided by Oasis, a nonprofit senior health educational organization. For more information about classes, lunch and learn events, tutoring and volunteering opportunities, call OASIS Monday-Thursday. For additional information visit their website: www.oasisnet.org/Indianapolis/IN/Locations-and-Contacts.

Program sites are located throughout the Indianapolis metro area.

Conference Presentations

Save the date: The 2018 Conference on Aging is March 16, 2018 at the Ritz Charles, Carmel, IN.

For questions or more information about the upcoming conference, please call the Center for Healthy Aging at 317-338-7780. To download former Conference on Aging presentations, use the links below.

Download the conference presentations using the links below.

2018 Conference Presentations

How Does Aging Lead to Disease - Patrick J. Healey, MD

Max Goals of Aging - Laura J. Morrison, MD, FAAHPM

CIEDs & End of Life Issues - David P. Rardon, MD

Dysphagia as a Geriatric Syndrome - Branca Cantor, MD

Dysphagia as a Geriatric Syndrome Assessment and Treatment - Ashton Gaylen, MA, CCC-SLP

Making the 4Ms Practical in Primary Care - Souhaila Richardson, MD

Making the 4Ms Practical in Primary Care - Jennifer Allbright, RN, BSN

Aging Changes that Increase the Risk of Wounds and Decrease Wound Healing - Joan Chang, DO

Navigating New Family Dynamics - Cherie Warriner, MSW, LCSW

Area Agencies on Aging as Health Partners - Dustin Ziegler

Connecting our Fork and our Feelings - Erica Leazenby, MD

Robotic Pet Therapy - Kathleen Weaver, AGNP-BC

Mood Lability - C. Andrew Class, MD

Delirium CHA Conference - Staci Hollar, MD and Erica Newkirk, MSN, RN-BC, ACGNS-BC, CMSRN

Delirium - Erica Newkirk, MSN, RN-BC, ACGNS-BC, CMSRN

High Risk Meds in Elderly - Katee Kindler, PharmD, BCACP

Congestive Heart Failure and Cognition - Diane W. Healey, MD

For questions or more information about the upcoming conference, please call the Center for Healthy Aging at 317-338-7780.

List of 2018 CHA Exhibitors

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]

Polypharmacy: What Is It...: The Doctor is In

Wednesday | 04/11/18 | 11:00 - 12:00

Discuss issues related to medications as we age, including high risk medications, and how to work with your healthcare provider to evaluate your medications. Open to the community -- no registration fee required for the class.

Dr. Staci Hollar is currently a Geriatric Physician with the St. Vincent Medical Group Center for Healthy Aging. Having completed her education in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, D. Hollar specializes in providing medical care, wellness and preventative medicine for senior patients.

To register, call (317) 396-3751 or click here.

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