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Messages Ronald J. Del Mauro Caring for New Jersey's seniors is a community effort requiring resources, expertise and a keen sense of the special concerns of an aging population. With approximately 15 percent of the New Jersey population considered of senior status in 2001, their interests are not just personal but are far-reaching. We all share the goal of having our parents, grandparents, siblings, close friends and, of course, ourselves live the senior years as healthfully and enjoyably as possible. The Saint Barnabas Health Care System brings unique strengths to seniors and their families in striving to provide the best care and support in what are often referred to as the "Golden Years." From the active senior to the frail elderly, we offer a staff of medical, nursing and social work professionals who understand the special challenges of aging. In our commitment to providing the highest level of expertise, we are proud to be presenting a two-day conference this fall, "The Future Is Aging," designed for multi-disciplinary professionals. This forum will be a benchmark for geriatric care in the country and will ultimately benefit all seniors, as we enhance our understanding of the senior years and the programs we provide. We are proud to be at the forefront in senior health care and consider it a privilege to work towards improving the lives of New Jersey seniors so that they may age gracefully and with dignity. John F. Bonamo, M.D. More than a year ago, Saint Barnabas Medical Center identified a need for a comprehensive, consultative service to evaluate older adults who are experiencing physical, psychological and/or social problems or concerns as they age. This service would not only assist individuals and their families, but also serve the needs of primary care physicians seeking more specialized services for their elderly patients. Today, the Geriatric Assessment Program (GAP) fills that role and helps to maintain and enhance the quality of life for seniors in our community. The GAP team, which includes a board-certified geriatrician, a gerontological nurse practitioner and a social worker, provides comprehensive outpatient evaluation and treatment plans. Areas of assessment include physical, emotional and cognitive status, which may impact daily functioning and home safety. Saint Barnabas is pleased to provide such a vital service to members of the senior population and continues to create initiatives to help the elderly maintain varying degrees of independent living. In addition to GAP, our active Senior Health Network sponsors a variety of free educational lectures, classes, trips and other activities of interest to those 50 and over. We value our seniors and will continue to meet their important health care needs with creative and effective programs and services. [ top ] |
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