Geriatrician Cynthia Gneco, MD, visits with a patient through the Geriatrics Home Visit Program, which was recently expanded to Yale New Haven Hospital.
Homebound seniors who have difficulty getting to a doctor 's office for check-ups or follow-up care can take advantage of the Yale New Haven Health System Geriatrics Home Visit Program. The Home Visit Program, which has been offered at Bridgeport Hospital for more than a decade, has now been added as part of Yale New Haven Hospital's geriatric services.
Through the Geriatrics Home Visit program, Northeast Medical Group physicians work closely with both hospitals to provide a broad range of services – from a comprehensive geriatric health assessment, physical exams and medical management, to blood tests, and referrals for nursing, physical and occupational therapy and podiatry services.
"Homebound elders may have an array of physical, emotional and social needs that require individual support and easy access to primary care. What better way to meet these often complex medical needs than bringing comprehensive care to them," said Vivian Argento, MD, Bridgeport Hospital's executive director of Geriatrics.
"Patients can receive optimal care right in their own homes," added YNHH geriatrician Cynthia Gneco, MD. "We are able to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations, which can lead to a functional decline in an older adult."
Eligible patients must be 65 or older, have insurance covering home visits, and be homebound for physical or cognitive reasons.
The Bridgeport Geriatrics Home Visit Program currently has a waiting list for enrollment of new patients but is accepting new patients as space becomes available. The New Haven program has some openings now and also offers a 30-day Transitional Visit Program for older adults who are temporarily homebound. For more information on the New Haven program or to make a referral, contact the Healthy Aging Line, 203-789-3275.
