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By 2030, the number of older Americans will double to about 70 million. This growing number of seniors places increasing demands on the public health system, and on medical and social services. Senior health involves learning to care for you, staying active, being involved in early detection of risk and illness, and disease prevention. Although the risk of disease and disability increases as one ages, much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease can be avoided through prevention measures.

Chilton Memorial Hospital offers an array of services, from diagnosis, treatment, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. We will partner with you to educate and help you practice a healthy lifestyle as you age, such as regular physical activity and healthy nutrition, screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, early detection of diabetes, its complications, and depression.

Chilton Memorial Hospital responds to your needs if you or your loved one has an age-related chronic disease or condition, such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, depression, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, diabetes, and its complications.
Our Unwavering Commitment to Lead Best Practices
NICHE
Last Spring, the John A Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing designated Chilton Memorial Hospital as a Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders site. This national designation means that we are committed to putting into action a systematic change in nursing practice, which would result in sensitive and exemplary care that will benefit all hospitalized older patients. We have embarked on a process to ensure all of our nurses have specialized knowledge in geriatric nursing, including specific syndromes and geriatric care.

Close to 13% of the population served by Chilton Memorial Hospital is over 65 years of age. We expect that number to grow over the next 5 years (2011), which is when the baby boomers will start turning 65. Women are expected to live to 85, and men to 77.6 years. We recognize the growing and complex needs of our seniors and are committed to creating an optimal, environment for our patients, while continuing to be instrumental in helping them age successfully.
Community Services
The Department of Gerontology Services provides education, support, information and referrals for older adults and their families, the clergy, health care professionals, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and other senior residences. In addition, information is provided to corporations, schools, municipalities, and other community agencies. Gerontology Services also sponsors a free health and wellness program for adults 50 and older called New Vitality.

Gerontology Services acts as a resource and referral network for seniors and their caregivers.
  • Adult Day Care
  • Adult Education Programs
  • Adult Foster Care
  • Adult Retirement Communities
  • Alzheimer's
  • Assisted Living-Group Homes
  • Boarding Homes
  • Case Management
  • Congregate Apartments
  • Continuing Care Retirement
  • Communities
  • Counselors
  • Elder Abuse
  • Geriatric Assessment Programs
  • Geriatricians
  • Group Homes
  • Home Emergency Response Systems
  • Homecare
  • Hospices
  • Income Resources
  • Legal Services
  • Long Term Care
  • Multi-Level Facilities
  • Nutrition Sites
  • Residential Care Facilities
  • Self Help Groups
  • Senior Centers
  • Senior Town Housing
  • Services for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
  • Shared Living
  • Town Welfare Directors
Speakers Bureau
The Gerontology Services staff is available for public speaking engagements. A sample of the topics addressed is:
  • "Aging Sensitivity"
  • "Sleep Well, Feel Better"
  • "Myths and Facts about Aging"
  • "Encountering the Stereotype"
  • "Medication Management"
  • "Nutrition and Aging"
  • "Memory and Aging"
New Vitality
New Vitality is an award-winning health and wellness program tailored to meet the needs of today's mature adults age 50 and over. Members benefit socially, physically, emotionally, mentally and educationally from New Vitality's extensive roster of lectures, workshops, classes, support groups, trips and social events. Membership is free.
NewVitality
Friend of the Elderly Program (Amicus Seniorium)
Chilton Memorial Hospital offers an Amicus Seniorium (Friend of the Elderly) program for individuals interested in volunteering to provide one-on-one companionship to older adults. Amicus Seniorium (Friend of the Elderly) Program is designed to enhance individualized care by providing companionship to inpatient older adults. The expected outcome of this program is to improve the psychological health of the older adult patient who may be experiencing loneliness, fear, lack of opportunities for self-expression, especially those who are experiencing cognitive decline. For more information on this program or to volunteer to become a "Friend of the Elderly," please call Volunteer Services at 973-831-5017.