Geriatrics (Aging)

The Geriatric Assessment Program offers tests that can show why many conditions are affecting an older adult. A geriatric assessment will test for depression, memory loss, behavior problems, frequent falls, dizzy spells, side effects from medicines and unexplained symptoms.

Geriatric assessment includes:

• Gathering information to understand personal and family medical history
• A full physical exam
• Tests and screenings to evaluate physical, emotional and mental status
• A review of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements being taken
• A questionnaire for family members to help identify problems and solutions

Geriatric assessment paves the way for problem-solving. Once we understand what is causing the patient’s behavioral, emotional or physical difficulties, we can chart solutions. Our providers will speak with your primary care physician regularly to achieve the best results.

All Emergency Departments are not the same, which is especially important if you or a loved one are age 65 or older. Bridgeport Hospital is first and only Silver Level Accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in the state.

A dedicated GEMS nurse practitioner facilitates Emergency Department care for you or your loved one by:

• Greeting patients and explaining what type of testing may be done.
• Working with Emergency Department doctors to provide treatment and determine whether patients need to be admitted to the hospital or can return home.
• Ensuring that patients return to a safe environment, whether at home or another facility, with a proper plan of care.

Contact Us

Phone: 203-384-GEMS (4367)
GEMS is available seven days a week, 9:30 am-7:30 pm

Many older patients who need to see their physician are unable to do so because they cannot leave their homes. For housebound older adults, Bridgeport Hospital’s Geriatric Home Visit Group can bring the care they require right into their home.

The Geriatric Home Visit Group becomes the patient's primary care physician. The services include a comprehensive geriatric assessment and subsequent follow-up visits by a geriatrician or a nurse practitioner. Home visits alternate between the physician and the nurse practitioner. The patient will get to know both healthcare providers.

If hospitalization becomes necessary for Home Visit Group patients, Bridgeport Hospital provides emergency and inpatient care. Our Geriatric Emergency Medicine Service will assure an expedited evaluation. Hospitalists (physicians specializing in the care of patients who are in the hospital) watch over the patients while they are in the hospital, in consultation with geriatric caregivers from the Home Visit Group.

The Home Visit Group accepts patients:

• Who are 65 and older, AND
• Whose healthcare insurance (Medicare or private) covers the cost of the program, AND
• Who are housebound, for physical or mental health reasons, and cannot get to the doctor’s office.

The patient’s medical records must be transferred from the present primary care doctor to the Geriatric Home Visit group.

Targeted for Seniors

Bridgeport Hospital provides numerous support services for older adults in addition to the ones listed below. We offer community health screenings and health education lectures (link to events)  on various topics throughout the year.  We also publish a newsletter called Healthy & Wise (link to: publications).  Below are some of the other services available to Seniors in our community

AARP Senior Driving Safety

AARP’s Senior Driver Safety Program is offered monthly at Bridgeport Hospital and is now a one-day course. The fee covers handouts and instructional materials. Classes are taught by trained AARP instructors. Successful completion may entitle seniors to a discount on automobile insurance premiums.

To find the next class and register, please call: 888-357-2396

Audiology (Hearing) Services

Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers provides comprehensive hearing services, including diagnostic hearing assessments for children and adults. Upon physician referral, Ahlbin Centers also evaluates and treats vestibular disorders (dizziness).

For an appointment, please call:  203-336-7341

Geriatric Assessment Program

This service provides a complete assessment by a geriatrician (a physician specializing in the medical care of the elderly), nurse and social worker to diagnose an older person's need for help. Geriatric assessment involves the patient, family member and/or care giver. Geriatric assessment includes includes a physical examination, medical history and a psychiatric evaluation to diagnose possible depression or other mental health conditions.The Geriatric Assessment Program serves patients in the greater Bridgeport area.

For an appointment, please call 203-384-3388

Geriatric Emergency Medical Service (GEMS)

All Emergency Departments are not the same, which is especially important if you or a loved one is age 65 or older. Only Bridgeport Hospital offers GEMS - our Geriatric Emergency Medical Service.

A dedicated GEMS nurse practitioner oversees Emergency Department care for you or your loved one by:

• Greeting patients and explaining what type of testing may be done
• Working with Emergency Department doctors to provide treatment and determine whether patients need to be admitted to the hospital or can return home.
• Ensuring that patients return to a safe environment, whether at home or another facility,with a plan of care.

GEMS is available seven days a week, 9 am - 7 pm

Geriatric Home Visit Program

Many older patients who need to see their physicians are unable to do so because they are housebound. Bridgeport Hospital's Geriatric Home Visit Program can help them to get the care they need in their homes. The Home Visit Group will become the primary care physician for those who qualify for the Geriatric Home Visit Program. If hospitalization is necessary, Bridgeport Hospital will provide care.

For an appointment, please call: 203-384-3388

When a geriatric assessment shows an older adult needs treatment for a psychiatric condition, the Center for Geriatrics works with the Department of Psychiatry. Your loved one may benefit from the intensive treatment provided through our geriatric psychiatric outpatient services and/or our geriatric psychiatric inpatient services. 

Outpatient Services

For some older adults, treating the common concerns of aging is complicated by psychiatric conditions and/or substance abuse. Bridgeport Hospital's REACH program provides an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Adults ages 18 and older. The IOP provides group-based treatment programs for those in need of intensive therapeutic services following a psychiatric hospitalization or to prevent a hospitalization. The programs are structured, supportive and use a variety of group therapy interventions within a nurturing environment to help patients achieve their treatment goals. The program meets Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 1 pm. 

REACH is located at 1558 Barnum Ave in Bridgeport, in the Barnum Avenue Business Center. For more information about our services, call 203-384-3377 Monday - Thursday 8 am - 5:30 pm, and Friday 9 am - 1 pm.

Referrals are accepted from psychiatrists, therapists, primary care providers, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment programs, or other healthcare providers. Self-referrals are also encouraged. Call 203-384-3377 to make a referral. You can also request a referral form by emailing [email protected].

Inpatient Services

When assessment shows an older adult needs inpatient hospital care and his or her mental health condition requires close, constant supervision, Bridgeport Hospital provides care in our Geriatric Psychiatric Inpatient Program.

Medical Records for Seniors

To ensure the safest possible care and convenience for our patients, Bridgeport Hospital uses an electronic medical record. Center for Geriatrics doctors, as well as physicians in the Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Department, can see your medical information on your electronic medical record immediately when needed.

Ask your doctor about MyChart, a convenient way for you and family members you designate to communicate with your physician and see portions of your medical records at any time from any computer.

Geriatric Medicine Fund

Fulfillment of the Hospital's commitment to provide the highest level and widest scope of geriatric services available in Fairfield County requires tremendous resources. Charitable gifts to the Geriatric Medicine Fund in the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, no matter how large or small, are sincerely appreciated and do make a difference. If you are interested in making a contribution, please use one of the following methods:

• Call the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation at 203-384-3522
• Write us at:
  • Bridgeport Hospital Foundation
    267 Grant Street
    Bridgeport, CT 06610
    
    Attention: Geriatric Medicine Fund
• Make a donation online using our secture site. Use the drop down menu to designate your gift to Geriatric Medicine.
• Email us

Geriatric Inpatient Services

If geriatric expertise is needed while your loved one is in the hospital, one of our geriatricians can conduct a geriatric assessment. To request a geriatric consultation, please ask your primary care physician.

For assistance with Geriatric Inpatient Consultation, call 203-384-3388.

Assisted Living Care

Our expert geriatric specialists also serve as attending physicians in many area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If you would like one of our geriatric specialists to care for a loved one who lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, please contact the facility’s case management or admissions coordinator.

Learn More about Extended Care and Assisted Living Services

To find out if your loved one’s facility is covered by our physicians, please call the Bridgeport Hospital Center for Geriatrics at 203-384-3388.