Mount Sinai Hospital’s Senior Services program was created to give the elderly patient the extra attention and help that can make all the difference in their care. Through our thoughtful staff, comfortable facilities and focus on finding financial assistance for those who need it, we meet the senior patient right where he or she is—helping them benefit from a healthier, more healing environment.

Thoughtful Care Every Step of the Way
Someone from Senior Services greets the patient at arrival to Sinai, then double-checks appointments and escorts them to where they need to go. If the patient is making more than one stop—for tests or follow-ups—someone will help them get from place to place.

Most senior appointments at Kling Clinic are on the fourth floor, so Sinai has created a special senior waiting room there, complete with comfortable seating, television, magazines and health information and fresh-brewed coffee, tea and snacks. While the patient waits, our helpful staff checks to see how they’re doing and fills out any forms needed for their visits. With this extra attention, seniors build relationships with our staff—a helpful tool in allowing us to know when a patient needs special services such as help paying for medication, Meals on Wheels visits or homemaker assistance.

Specialized Needs and At-Risk Patients
For more specialized needs, Sinai has a geriatric social worker that identifies and resolves problems that affect a patient's state-of-mind and well-being. These can include emotional issues, suspected neglect or abuse or the need for social services, ranging from housing assistance to home care. By acting as an advocate with public or community agencies, locating needed resources or providing psychological support, the social worker creates an improved medical experience for the patient.

If a senior’s mental or physical conditions keep him or her from seeking care, Sinai will go out to them. The Senior At-Risk Program responds to calls from concerned neighbors or community agencies. A registered nurse visits the senior's home and evaluates medical, psychological or social service needs. The nurse and staff then make recommendations, arrange needed medical assistance and link the senior to other community services and resources.

Financial Assistance
One of the biggest barriers to getting seniors the medical attention they need is cost. Far too often, they don't see a doctor or take medicine because they think they can't afford it. Tragically, this means they put their health at risk, even though Medicare, Medicaid, the Illinois Circuit Breaker prescription-assistance program and other plans will cover most or all of the expenses. To reverse that trend, Sinai's Senior Services staff works aggressively to make sure that certain money issues don't become health issues. Outreach workers are in the community daily to conduct health screenings and spread the word about financial assistance programs. In our clinics and at Mount Sinai Hospital, Senior Services workers discuss the options and help seniors fill out the forms.

For more information on Sinai Senior Services please contact Lasharon Williams:
Phone: (773) 257-5292
E-mail: willas@sinai.org