Senior Services at the DMC (Geriatrics)
At a time when health issues collide with the challenges of aging, it’s nice to know that there are services sensitive to your or your loved one’s needs. That’s why multiple Detroit Medical Center locations offer specialized care and
assessment for seniors.
NICHE Certified Care
NICHE, which stands for “Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders,” began in 1992 and has evolved into a national geriatric nursing program. The goal is to benefit hospitalized older patients through sensitive and exemplary care. At
the DMC, special NICHE Units can be found at:
- DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital (The Rosa Parks Geriatric Center of Excellence)
- DMC Harper University Hospital
- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
DMC Harper University Hospital is proud to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 2022-2023 as High Performing nationally in Geriatrics.
Special Geriatric Care
DMC has several special centers dedicated to geriatric care. These centers offer outpatient services, geriatric assessments, senior resource centers, Alzheimer's resources, support groups and more:
Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Units
ACE - Acute Care for the Elderly – is a special inpatient unit just for seniors. The services we offer are based on our extensive geriatric experience and our commitment to compassionate care. Your doctor can admit you directly to the ACE unit,
without you having to go to the emergency room. Once in the unit, we will:
- Supplement the care plan developed by your doctor
- Consulting with your doctor
- Report your progress to your primary physician regularly
Our goal is to work with your doctor to help you maintain, and if possible improve, your independence in ways that respect your personal dignity. All of our physicians and other staff have special training and certification that helps them understand
and respond to the specific needs of seniors. We provide all the specialty services you need with a team that includes:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Social Workers
- Physical Therapists
- Pharmacists
- Psychologists
- Spiritual Care Associates
- Discharge Planners
- Nutritionists
When you’re ready to be discharged, we will coordinate any home health care services and equipment you might need. In preparation for your follow-up visit with your primary physician, we’ll send your doctor a full report of the care you received
while in the ACE unit.
Senior Health Line
In addition to the medical care we provide at both the hospital and center, the DMC offers 24-hour nursing staff through the Senior Health Line to help you with:
- Health concerns or needs, especially when your doctor's office is closed
- Free counseling for access to community services
- Physician referrals
- Outpatient testing appointments
- Information regarding the Acute Care for the Elderly inpatient unit and the Senior Health Center
Call the Senior Health Line toll free at 888-264-0102 to learn more.
Medicare Part B Assessments
DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital’s Rosa Parks Geriatric Center can provide you a one-time preventive physical exam within the first year that you have Medicare Part B. The exam is covered by Medicare, with no cost to you.
The exam will include:
- A complete review of your health
- Education and counseling about preventive services you may need
- A record of your medical history
- Blood pressure check
- Weight and height
- Possible recommendation for other testing, such as a vision test or an electrocardiogram (EKG), if necessary
You’ll receive a written report to share with your other health care providers. (To be eligible to receive the exam at no cost, you must get your “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam within the first year that you have Medicare Part B.)
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for various injuries and other problems can be received at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). Areas of specialty include, but are not limited to:
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Wheelchair and seating
- Back and spine
- Balance
- Parkinson’s disease
- General physical therapy
Through RIM, you can seek both inpatient and outpatient rehab for all of your medical needs. RIM also offers many different types of support groups, available for patients, family
and caregivers.
In-Home Alert and Monitoring Systems
Health First
DMC partner Health First provides advanced in-home alert and monitoring systems that make it safe for seniors and those with unique physical challenges to remain independent and rehabilitate in the privacy of their own homes. Monitored by Critical Signal
Technologies (CST), the state of the art care center is staffed 24/7 with trained professionals.
BOB 3600 Emergency Medical Alert System
This home health alert system connects the client with Care Center representatives any time, day or night, whether you need emergency service or gentle reassurance. The unit is connected to an existing phone line and has a two-way speaker, so you can
communicate without getting up. If you are unable to speak when sending an alert signal, emergency services will be sent immediately.
Medication Management System (MMS)
Lack of medication compliance is one of the top five reasons for readmittance to a hospital. The MMS reminds you when it’s time to take medication and dispenses pills/tablets at the touch of a button.
