Center for Healthy Aging
Expert Health Evaluations & Behavioral Care for Seniors
We are a unique multidisciplinary outpatient center focused on geriatric specialty care that meets the unique needs of our patients, their families and their caregivers. Our clinicians evaluate and treat adults age 65 or older with memory loss, behavioral health problems or medical issues associated with aging. The Center is conveniently located in Gloucester at Addison Gilbert Hospital and at Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers.
Our Staff
- Board Certified Internist-Geriatricians, Adult & Geriatric Psychiatrists
- Clinical Nurse Specialists & Advanced Nurse Practitioners
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers and facilitated access to Neuropsychology
We are here to provide the best possible care for you or the people you care about. Services we offer include:
Geriatric Medicine & Specialty Consultations
We strive to help our patients maintain their independence and quality of life. Our geriatric medicine consultation team has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating health issues that occur with aging, and we develop a personalized care plan for all our patients, in collaboration with you and your primary care team, to make sure that the many issues that can affect an elder’s quality of life and autonomy are addressed.
Medical Conditions Treated Include:
- Memory Loss
- Dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Fronto-Temporal Dementia)
- Gait, Mobility, Balance and Fall Risk Assessment
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- Frailty and Failure to Thrive
- Driving Assessment
- Neuropsychological Testing
- Medication Management and review to reduce risks associated with Polypharmacy
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Geriatric Behavioral Health
Our behavioral health team is made up of geriatric and adult psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and social workers/therapists who all specialize in treating patients 65 years and older. New patients go through an initial behavioral health consultation with one of our experienced social workers, who assess whether additional therapy is needed and work closely with our team of prescribers.
After this evaluation, patients may be seen by a clinical nurse specialist, a nurse practitioner or a psychiatrist for an evaluation to determine whether or not medication might be beneficial. Patients may be invited to participate in individual or group therapy. Other available services include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for depression, inpatient psychiatric care, partial hospital programs and supportive care day programs. Genetic testing for improved medication management is available when necessary.
Behavioral Health Conditions Treated Include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Behavioral symptoms in Dementia or Parkinson’s disease
- Insomnia
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- Grief
- Caregiver Stress
- PTSD
- OCD
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Psychosis
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The Center for Healthy Aging now provides an innovative treatment option for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for adults 40 years and older who have not seen adequate results from psychotherapy and antidepressants and/or have experienced unpleasant side effects from medication. TMS is a form of neurostimulation, a method of triggering brain activity. It is an outpatient procedure, and requires no anesthesia.
TMS patients come in five days a week for about six weeks in a row to receive a 37-minute treatment, and can go about their daily routine immediately after. TMS is covered by many health plans, including Medicare, for patients who meet certain medical guidelines.
Learn more about our TMS Therapy service.
Memory Loss Assessment
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, we provide medical evaluations and cognitive testing to determine the best course of action. We thoroughly assess our patients’ needs to provide treatment recommendations to the patient’s primary doctor and to help develop a plan.
Balance and Falls Risk Assessment
If you or a loved one has experienced more than two falls in a six-month period, or experienced a change in balance or walking ability, our geriatric medicine team will evaluate the situation to determine if there are any underlying causes. Our team works closely with physical therapists to help prevent falls, improve mobility and maximize our patients’ ability to function independently.
Driving Assessment
Through an objective medical evaluation, the Center can assist in determining if you or your loved one is able to continue driving safely. The data and advice provided is aimed at assisting you and your family in making decisions about driving.
Accessing Our Services
Appointment Requests
Please call 978-646-7070.
Referrals
Referrals to the Center for Healthy Aging come from primary care and specialty care physicians, elder care agencies, hospitals and assisted living facilities, or you can be self-referred.
