Center for Healthy Aging

The Center for Healthy Aging is a resource for patients 65 years old and older and their families. We provide inpatient, outpatient and transitional care for aging adults. After a full geriatric assessment, we share our insights and expert advice with patients, caregivers and primary care providers. Our director, Dr. Jodi Friedman is a family practice physician with fellowship training and additional qualifications in geriatrics. The Center also includes Allison Gould, a Licensed Social Worker specializing in geriatrics and caregiver support. To learn more about Dr. Friedman and Allison Gould please CLICK HERE.

Inpatient Services

In cooperation with hospitalists, primary care physicians, discharge planners and therapists, we help plan the safest hospital stay and discharge arrangements. In our assessments, we pay close attention to common geriatric challenges, like falls, changes in mental states, skin care and managing multiple prescriptions. Our goal is to provide additional care in the hospital while maintaining close contact with caregivers and primary care physicians to ensure safe, seamless continuity of care from hospital to home.

Outpatient Services

Primary care physicians typically consult our geriatricians to assist in the care of the older adult. When contacted, we provide a full geriatric assessment and communicate a plan of care with primary care physicians and caregivers. Candidates who are eligible for referral are frail older adults who have experienced a change or decline in their functioning, memory loss and/or falls. We can also provide guidance on appropriate healthy screening guidelines for mature patients.

Geriatric Assessment

In order to correctly tailor our services, our geriatric specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation that provides a well-rounded understanding of the individual. We look at all areas of an older adult's life-health habits, medications, mental and physical functionality, social support, emotional health and living situation-to help him or her, and loved ones, adjust to the changes that accompany aging. Our goal is to help the older adult live the fullest life, and to help caregivers provide the best assistance. Our program goes where the care is needed-in the hospital, rehabilitation clinic or in an outpatient setting.

Social Work Services

Social work services are available at the Center for Healthy Aging to assist patients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, bereavement, and other emotional issues.

A visit with a social worker may be helpful if:

• You are feeling sad, worried, fearful, tearful, or angry
• You are having difficulty adjusting to a major transition, such as retirement or moving
• You have experienced the loss of a loved one
• You no longer feel like going out, doing anything, or seeing anyone
• You are having difficulty sleeping or don’t feel like eating
• You are feeling nervous, keyed up, or on edge most of the time
• You would like specific services put into place but are unsure how to go about it
• Family members or loved ones have expressed concern over your emotional well-being
• You feel it would be therapeutic to speak with someone about your life

Supportive counseling for the caregivers of our patients is also available.    

Other Services

We offer many services to assist older adults, and can tailor these services to each individual's needs. Services available at Northern Dutchess Hospital include:

• Physical and occupational therapy, based on specific medical issues
• Parkinson's Disease Speech and Movement program
• Prevention of Falls program
• Medically based fitness center
• Alternative medicine therapies such as massage and acupuncture
• "Safe at Home" assessments in conjunction with the Rhinebeck Town Board
• Community education and events

For more information please call (845) 876-4745. We are located at 6529 Springbrook Ave. Rhinebeck, on the campus of Northern Dutchess Hospital.

To view our latest brochure please CLICK HERE (pdf).