Geriatric medicine
Penn Medicine understands the special needs of the aging population and our geriatric medicine physicians provide personal attention and convenience to this growing segment of the community.
Specialized elder adult care
At Penn Medicine, our providers specialize in treating older adults with a comprehensive approach to geriatric medicine. Here’s how we care for our elderly patients :
- House call services: For patients who have difficulty traveling, our house call services bring expert medical care directly to their homes, ensuring they receive the attention and treatment they need in a comfortable setting.
- Penn Memory Center: We offer specialized care for those experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline, providing comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, and support for both patients and their families.
- Nursing home care: We collaborate with nursing homes to ensure that residents receive high-quality, consistent medical care, tailored to their individual needs.
- Long-term care planning : Our team assists patients and their families in planning for long-term care, providing guidance on options and support to ensure that the patient’s health and well-being are maintained over time.
Our geriatric care is designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults, helping them maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.
Geriatric conditions treated
The ACE Unit at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Being hospitalized can put older adults at risk of losing their independence. The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia is specially designed to help people over age 70 prevent functional decline and avoid complications, like falls, pressure ulcers, and delirium. We were the first in our region to offer an ACE unit, using evidence-based practices to uniquely address older adults’ needs. A team of providers trained in geriatric medicine coordinate care, including geriatricians, registered nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and case managers.
The ACE unit models of care include creating a safe, homelike environment that promotes mobility, improves sleep, focuses on comfort, and keeps older adults oriented. Registered nurse-initiated protocols foster self-care, good nutrition, sleep hygiene, and skin care. We also provide support for the person’s mood and thinking abilities.
Our approach to medicines and therapies help minimize adverse effects, and physical and occupational therapists deliver a personalized therapeutic plan early in treatment. When it’s time to be discharged, we plan ahead to ensure a seamless transition home or to another center, giving older adults the best chance for good outcomes.
Older Adult Oncology Program
Our Older Adult Oncology Program focuses on the treatment of cancer in older adults, offering personalized care that considers the unique challenges and health concerns of elderly patients.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.