Geriatric Care

Our Approach to Geriatric Care

Our geriatric care team works closely with your primary care physician and other care providers. We tailor treatment plans for individual senior health and wellness.

Our experts generally work with people over age 65. However, we also care for those who have early-onset mental and physical conditions such as dementia.

What is Geriatric Care?

As you age, your body responds differently to medication and treatments. What worked years ago may not work the same today. Geriatric primary care, along with various specialists, can help find the right solutions.

Do I need to see a geriatrician?

We see patients who are 65 years of age or older, with one or more of the following:

• A non-elective hospitalization in the last year
• Use of emergency department in the past six months
• Dementia, depression, memory concerns, or falls diagnosis
• Need help in activities of daily living
• Three or more chronic diseases
• Poor appetite and weight loss

For people who meet the above criteria, we can provide the following:

• Medication management
• Caregiver issues
• Needs advance directives or advanced care planning

Patients can self-schedule with our providers or may be referred from their primary care provider.

Your Geriatric Care Team

At IU Health, our experts in geriatric care include:

• Geriatric primary care providers
• Advanced practice providers
• Nurse coordinators
• Medical assistants
• Social workers
• Specialty consultants

Together, they work together to build the best plan for you. Their training focuses on the needs of older patients. Every patient deserves respect, dignity and care that fits their lifestyle and health goals.

Why IU Health for Geriatric Care

We are proud to be the only high-performing geriatrics program in Indiana for U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 edition of America's Best Hospitals.

Geriatric Care Specialties

Senior Health Center in Indianapolis

The Senior Health Center treats diseases of aging. Our center has an emphasis on the following:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Depression and anxiety
• Osteoporosis
• Falls
• Multiple chronic illnesses
• Mobility and decline in function
• Medicine problems

GRACE Program

GRACE is a home-based program with a geriatric specialized advanced care provider and social worker. The program partners with the primary care provider in providing care to eligible patients 65 and older who live in Marion or one of the surrounding counties. The advanced care provider and social worker meet with the patient in their home to manage common geriatric issues and assist the patient/family with changing care needs.

The team will provide care management in partnership with the primary care provider to improve the patient/caregiver experience, enhance quality of life and help achieve healthcare goals.

Download our guide (PDF) to learn more about the GRACE Program and the qualifying criteria.

ACE (Acute Care of Elders) Program

ACE is an inpatient consults program at IU Health Methodist Hospital and IU Health West Hospital.

We supplement inpatient care with an emphasis on key geriatric syndromes, falls, and declines in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

Nursing Home Service

Our providers oversee care at nursing home facilities in and around Indianapolis, with a focus on skilled nursing care and long-term care.