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Supporting the Transition into Older Adulthood
When Leila Colmen became unable to care for herself, her family grappled with the best course of action. Living more than 3,000 miles away, it would be difficult for family members to assist Leila with her transition into supported living. Dr. Rita Ghatak, Director of the Aging Adult Services (AAS) program at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, was there to meet with Leila and her doctors, reporting back to the family on phone and email to reassure them that Leila was in good hands. “Rita was our surrogate, trusted advocate and friend. She was able to provide objective feedback about our aunt's care and condition,” explained a grateful niece. “It set my mind at rest knowing that Rita was following up and helping us deal with a very sensitive situation.”
In the health care setting, older adults often require assistance with health evaluations, physician referrals and managing multiple prescriptions. After discharge, they need preventive health and safety advice, along with linkages to services that enable them to live safely at home. Despite these needs, few hospitals have a clinical geriatric department to assist older adults. Stanford Hospital’s AAS program offers older adults in Palo Alto the range of support that they, and their loved ones, need to take on the challenges that come with growing older.
A Continuum of Care for Older Adults
 As medical breakthroughs help people to live longer, the systems that provide support to older adults are increasing in number and sophistication. But while new approaches to dealing with some of the unique needs of older age are being considered, creating a holistic approach that both prevents and treats illness and injury remains the ultimate goal.
“Modern medicine has come a long way, and older adults are certainly reaping the benefits,” says Dr. Ghatak, a clinical psychologist specializing in gerontology. “But medicine is only one part of the picture. As people get older, we need to look at a whole host of solutions that can keep them healthier and happier for their entire lives.”
Stanford Hospital & Clinics recognized that older adults were often coming to the emergency room to receive care for injuries or illnesses that may have been avoided if simple measures, such as a review of medications, were in place. Established in 2004 and housed in the Guest Services department, the AAS program was created to meet the needs of patients 65 years and older. A team of skilled professionals assist out-patient older adults and work with them and their families to develop appropriate transition plans. The AAS program also works across medical disciplines, connecting patients with medical services that ensure older patients are not just living longer, but also living well.
Did You Know…
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Older adults who have fallen previously or who stumble frequently are two to three times more likely to fall within the next year. If you are 65 or older, there are steps you can take to maintain independence and avoid hospital stays.
- 46 percent of Stanford's emergency room visits are by older adults
- 60 percent of the nation's older adults live alone or with a non-helping spouse
- 70 percent of the nation's disabled older adults need home-care assistance
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Ellen Corman (right) counsels Diane Finch (left)about throw rugs, which could be a major cause
of tripping |
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Programs that Can Help
If you or a loved one needs an extra hand, Stanford Hospital & Clinics can help! The following programs are available to keep older adults living well and independently.
- Geriatric Health Services —program providing care and support to older adults and families by offering consultations, assistance with appointments and assessments, physician referrals, home visits, advocacy and coordination of services.
Contact: (650) 723-1303
- Partners in Caring —connects homebound adults with trained volunteers who provide transportation, shopping help, home visits and referral assistance.
Contact: (650) 725-4137
- Strong for Life —muscle strengthening exercise program for the older adult with or without physical limitations.
Contact: (650) 725-4137
- Lifeline —in-home emergency response system for older adults to summon immediate help, enhancing safety, confidence and independence.
Contact: (650) 723-6906
- Vial of Life —medical information storage kit for use in the home.
Contact: (650) 498-6312
- Advance Health Care Directive —one-hour consultation with an expert to help formulate and outline your desired wishes for future medical care, surrogate decision makers, and life sustaining or prolonging treatment.
Contact: (650) 498-3333
- Checking-In™ —program funded by the Reed-Siegel Charitable Foundation to "check-in" with older adults through routine phone checks and to help connect to local support networks.
Contact: (650) 725-9212
- Educational Workshops and Resources—program offering workshops on aging and information to patients and families about community resources.
Contact: (650) 723-1303
- Caregiver Support Program—program developed to provide support and education for caregivers. Learn more about taking care of yourself as a caregiver.
Contact: (650) 725-4137
- Farewell to Falls —program of the Trauma Service at Stanford Hospital working with older adults to help reduce falls.
Contact: (650) 724-9369
Tips to Avoid Tripping or Slipping
- Check your home for hazards
o Throw rugs should be removed or adhered to the floor with double-sided tape or special carpet pads
- Remove electrical cords and other hazards
- Pick up animal toys and clutter off the floor
- Don’t lean on towel bars or furniture for support
- Consider installing grab bars in the bathtub and by the toilet
- Use handrails on all stairs
- Wear non-skid shoes or slippers
- Keep floors dry
- Install non-skid surfaces in the shower or tub
- Check your patio and yard for uneven pavement and other hazards
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