Geriatric Services

Senior patients receive more convenience than ever at East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center

All clinical, administrative and support services currently available at the Cancer Geriatrics Center will be available to patients in the new location, but amenities and services will be enhanced, says Rick Bluhm, associate director for Administration and Program Development, Geriatrics Center.

“Primary and specialty services will be expanded at the new facility. There will be an increased neurology presence with more cognitive/movement disorders physicians practicing there than were previously,” says Bluhm.

Front door services, including attendants and valet parking, and a food kiosk serving light lunch and beverages, are scheduled to go online.

For Jeff Halter, M.D., professor of Internal Medicine, chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine and director, Geriatrics Center and Institute of Gerontology, clinical care attractions include improved access to the facilities.

“Having the Geriatrics Center clinics on the entry level is a substantial advantage for those who have a little trouble getting around,” says Halter. “In addition, support services nearby, such as CT and MRI, the pharmacy and more, make scheduling appointments and providing services much easier.”

“The recent opening of the Ambulatory Surgery and Medical Procedures Center makes scheduling those kinds of services manageable, and its close proximity makes it easier for our patients to navigate,” says Halter.

In preparation for the move, the space that is now the East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center has been rearranged and some of its facilities and services updated.

“A new CT and MRI opened in June 2006,” says Vicki Parker, health center manager. “Door attendants will be in service at the end of October, and walkways now adjoin all buildings to make it easier for patients to move around the facilities."

In addition, MFit Nutrition and the Alcohol Management Program are moving to the Health Education Resource Center from their current, lower-level offices, and Social Work offices on the lower level will move to the administrative area on the same floor.