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Geriatric care is a specialty that recognizes the unique needs of aging adults.

“Aging in place is the feeling of being at home – it’s a sense of stability, comfort and

familiarity, independence and autonomy,” explains Abhijit Chatterjee, MD, a geriatrician

(physician specializing in the medical care of the elderly) with the James and Sharon

Maida Geriatrics Institute at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, Lakewood.

“A large part of this independence is the structure of resources, such as a strong

healthcare team, family structure, and inclusion of that loved one to make their own

choices, when possible.”

The geriatric specialists at Monmouth Medical Center (Long Branch) and the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (Lakewood) know it’s important to focus on how older adults can thrive while aging in their communities and living independently for as long as possible.

“Coordinating geriatric care for an aging parent or loved one may help to make life easier and more convenient for both you and them,” Dr. Chatterjee says. “We know it’s important to maintain that connection to a team who specializes in the needs of older adults through building relationships and addressing all of your loved ones’ medical needs in one convenient location.”

Providers offer inpatient and outpatient geriatric services for patients 65 and older at both the Long Branch and Lakewood facilities. The dedicated geriatricians have a full understanding of the wide range of physical, mental, medical, social, and spiritual issues that older adults may face.

“We provide consultative services as well as primary care for older adults, “We work

with families and the patient to manage chronic health challenges and design care plans

that include medication management and supportive counseling for emotional

challenges. We are primary care doctors, with additional training in treating older adults,

who see the whole person and help foster healthy aging.”-

Sana Riaz, MD, a geriatrician at Monmouth Medical Center’s Geriatric Health Center.

Our multidisciplinary team includes: geriatric-certified nurses and nurse practitioners, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, health educators and rehabilitation therapists to help patients navigate through the healthcare system. Often, if testing is required after a visit with the geriatric physician, arrangements can be made in the same visit. Transportation may also be provided.

Both hospitals offer state-of-the-art Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM) units, specific to the needs of aging patients requiring emergency care. At Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, there is also an Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit, which features single rooms exclusively for patients 65 and older and design modifications for a safe and comfortable stay.

With the expert treatment available at both our Long Branch and Lakewood medical centers, older adults can live their fullest lives possible. For more information, visit RWJBH.org.