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Westlake Hospital is Adding Life to Years
3/24/2011 12:00:00 AM
On March 22, Westlake Hospital welcomed business leaders, political officials, physicians and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the hospital’s new Senior Center and the introduction of the new comprehensive geriatric program.
“Through the creation of our new comprehensive Geriatric Program and Senior Center, Westlake is adding more than just years to life, we are adding life to years,” says Vijay Yeldandi, M.D., Westlake Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer. “We are encouraging seniors to stay active and engaged in their health.”
Focus on helping others achieve Health for Life both inside the hospital as well as in the community, Westlake Hospital has been working hard to identify and understand the needs of the community in order to better serve as a resource for health and healthcare. Recognizing that one of the fastest growing groups within the community are those 55 and older, a multidisciplinary team started focusing their efforts on building a comprehensive geriatric program that consists of a Senior Center, senior transportation program and a dedicated geriatric unit.
“We understand that the new 40-something’s are actually 60 year olds with plans to stay healthy, vibrant and active for years to come,” remarks Pat Shehorn, Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal, at Westlake, is to help them stay energetic, vivacious and healthy well into their 90s through a variety of special programming we offer at the new Senior Center and the expert care we provide to those seeking medical care.”
The free Senior Center membership program is designed to help seniors feel their best. Members gain access to a wide variety of free screenings, educational seminars and counseling sessions designed to meet the needs of extended learners. Plus, members can take part in a variety of free and fun group exercise classes in our Fitness Center, including a walking club, water aerobics class, chair exercise class, a stretching group and senior strength program. The more than 270 members also get to take advantage of discounts in the hospital Cafeteria, Fitness Center and Outpatient Pharmacy. Soon, members will also be able to use our concierge to schedule outpatient testing and doctor appointments and coordinate transportation to and from the hospital.
Last month, Westlake Hospital introduced a new senior transportation program. Individuals age 60 and older, who need to come Westlake Hospital for outpatient services or to see a physician and live within the program boundaries, can get a ride to and from Westlake Hospital for a low fee of just $2 each way. The program boundaries are Irving Park Road to the north, Harlem Avenue to the east, 31st Street to the south and I- 294 to the west.
In addition to creating the membership program and transportation service, Westlake also renovated the sixth floor geriatric unit, which features private rooms, to better accommodate geriatric patients. Prior to opening the unit, nursing staff began ongoing gerontology education in order to better understand and care for the geriatric population. Plus, the unit’s patient care techs have taken part in a unique ambulation training program designed and taught by the unit’s dedicated physical therapists. In addition, the hospital recently appointed Leah Durst, M.D., as the Medial Director, to ensure that the unit maintains 100% compliance with all core measures and order set utilization; upholds the hospital’s high reliability culture, and make Westlake one of the safest hospitals in America; creating an excellent patient experience; and reducing unnecessary tests and avoidable lengths of stay.
“I am excited about our re-commitment to providing stellar care focused on the special needs of our geriatric patients,” says Pat Shehorn. “I am proud of the care we provide at Westlake Hospital and honored to be a part of the team that cares for our community seniors.”
Westlake Hospital celebrated the grand opening of the new Westlake Senior Center and the introduction of the hospital’s new comprehensive geriatric program with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22. Pictured front row, left to right, Jane Stenske, R.N., Chief Nursing Officer, Chris Welch, President, Westlake Board of Trustees, Ronald M.Serpico, Mayor of Melrose Park, Pat Shehorn, Chief Executive Officer, Marta Alvardao, Director, Community Services, Dheeraj Mahajan, M.D., Medical Director, Vanguard Geriatric Program Development. Back row, left to right, Vijay Yeldandi, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Caren Perlmutter, Vice President, Geriatric Services, Vanguard Health System.
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Westlake Hospital has been serving Melrose Park and the surrounding communities for over 80 years. Our hospital is committed to being the leading resource in the community for health and healthcare through the development of life-long relationships focused on excellent quality, exceptional service and compassionate care.
Westlake Hospital is part of the Vanguard Health Systems that operates health care facilities in four primary urban markets with a strategy to develop locally branded comprehensive networks that bridge the best of the non-profit tradition of community, mission and service with expanded access to capital, organizational flexibility and economies of scale to enhance patient and community care.