As they age, many older adults find themselves coping with age-related changes in their health. At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Benedum Geriatric Center, the physicians and staff have a special interest in the needs and problems of older adults as well as specialized training to help fulfill those needs. For the patients of Benedum Geriatric Center, the advantage is that many levels and types of care are coordinated at one location. Meet the staff of Benedum Geriatric Center At the center, each patient is cared for by a treatment team made up of the professional staff best able to meet his or her needs. The staff includes geriatricians, psychiatrists, medical and psychiatric residents, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers.
All staff have specialized training in the care of older adults.
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education at the master's or doctoral level. Registered nurses coordinate patient care and provide explanations about medications, tests, or treatments. Social workers with advanced education at the master's or doctoral level assess emotional and mental health. In addition, social workers provide information about available community services that an older adult may need. To care for patients most effectively, the treatment team begins by evaluating the patient's medical, psychiatric, and social needs.