Meeting the Needs of Our Elderly Community

The aging population of the United States is growing at an unprecedented pace, with a record number of Americans turning 65 this year. While the demand for specialty-trained providers in geriatric care is skyrocketing, a national shortage in clinicians trained in this important field leaves a critical gap in care for these patients.

“Our program responds to the tremendous need for specialized care for our elderly community and the effective management of elderly, frail patients in our region,” said Bennett Leifer, MD, Medical Director, Geriatric Services, Valley Medical Group, and a geriatrician on staff at Valley for more than 35 years. “Our program provides a patient-centered approach to caring for our elderly patients as individuals, rather than caring only for their diseases.”

The need for geriatric care is not determined by age alone, says Dr. Leifer, adding that for some patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s, treatment by a primary care physician may be sufficient. Valley’s services focus on the long-term care of patients who suffer from conditions such as dementia, neuro-degenerative diseases, neurological and physical impairment, decline in functional capabilities, and inability to independently manage daily activities.

Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor – a grateful patient who experienced and wanted to invest in the critical future of Valley’s Geriatrics program – Valley is taking steps to address this unmet need.

A $250,000 endowment established in Dr. Leifer’s honor, as well as gifts of over $350,000 to support the program, allow Valley to enhance its offerings and expand its team.

In addition to Dr. Leifer, the team includes fellowship-trained geriatricians Alicia Prowse, M.D and Kinga Kiszko, DO, and will welcome Maria Cantu-Cooper, MD in the fall.

Philanthropy also supports advanced training for medical staff, as well as opportunities for residents in Valley’s Graduate Medical Education program. Residents currently have a selective rotation in Geriatric medicine, which is a requirement for the program’s accreditation. This generous gift will allow providers to attend national conferences and participate in opportunities focused on best practices in geriatric care.

"Our goal is to be a program that can positively impact the health and well-being of older adults and promote successful aging in place. We want to help prevent avoidable, unnecessary hospitalizations, keep older folks living in the community setting, and prevent avoidable declines," said Dr. Leifer. "We are so grateful for our anonymous donor's support, which allows us to provide the very best geriatric care, train the next generation of healthcare professionals, and ensure that the growing numbers of older Americans receive the care they need to live fulfilling lives."