NJISA offers primary care and consultative clinical services in geriatric medicine, psychiatry, and neurology across the entire continuum of care--for well, community-residing older individuals to those who are frail or in an institutional setting. Our physicians and the health care team work in partnership with primary care physicians, patients and families to encourage independence and shared decision- making in outlining the appropriate plan of care. Interventions are based on the latest science and reflect the current state-of-the-art research and clinical practice.

Memory Assessment Program (MAP)

There are many reasons for memory loss. Alzheimer's disease is only one of them. Early evaluation is important. NJISA offers assessment of memory loss by a multidisciplinary team, including a neurologist, neuropsychologist, geriatric psychiatrist, geriatrician, and social worker. The team meets with the patient and family to discuss the results of the evaluation and help plan for the future.

For more information regarding the Memory Assessment Program (MAP), please call Nancy Alterman, Geriatric Social Worker, at 856-566-7078. To schedule a MAP appointment, please call 856-566-6843 and and select option one.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Program

Primary care and consultative services are available for individuals who are enjoying good health as well as for those with multiple complex health problems and chronic conditions. Since older individuals are the largest users of prescription drugs and often take multiple medications, appropriate medication management is important in avoiding adverse drug reactions that can compromise health and function. Our physicians are available to provide ongoing medical services and medication management, or they can provide consultation services and send the findings and recommendations back to the patient's primary care physician. Our goal is to help you age successfully and maintain independence through utilizing your abilities in the best possible way.

Balance Disorders and Falls Prevention Program

Falling, or unsteady, slow, or poorly balanced walking are common problems in elderly individuals. For older persons who have experienced gait and balance disturbances or who have fallen or are fearful of falling, the Institute provides a comprehensive falls assessment program conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprised of a neurologist, geriatrician and affiliated physical therapists. Automated postural stability testing is performed and specialized testing of the brain and nervous system balance mechanisms may be conducted as needed. Patients are then directed to our associates in physical and occupational therapy for specialized equilibrium retraining at home or to an outpatient facility.

Huntington's Disease Family Service Center

Huntington's disease is a genetically determined disorder of movement and cognitive function. As the southern New Jersey regional site of the Huntington's Disease Family Service Center, the Institute offers a multidisciplinary program for the evaluation of new, previously undiagnosed patients and also provides continuing care for patients with an established diagnosis of Huntington's disease. The care team consists of a geriatric psychiatrist, neurologist, and social worker. Our psychiatrist and social worker assist with management of the behavior and mood disturbances that often emerge in Huntington's disease. The neurologist provides management of the movement disorders that complicate the disease process. A support group also provides a forum for patients and their families to discuss the challenges of living with this disease.

Geriatric Assessment & Primary Care Services for the Developmentally Disabled Elderly

Individuals with developmental disabilities are living longer than ever before. The New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging continues a long tradition of providing both ongoing primary care and consultation services for the developmentally disabled population.

Geropsychiatry and Expanded Mental Health Services

Depression and other mental health problems that result from loss, stress, illness, or medications are often troubling to elderly individuals. We offer geriatric psychiatric evaluation and consultation services in the office and in select nursing homes and assisted living settings. In those instances where memory problems are noted, neuropsychological testing is offered.

Neurology

The aging nervous system is prone to many changes that may require evaluation and treatment by a neurologist. These includes Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders, pre and post stroke conditions, neuromuscular diseases in aging, dementia and memory disorders. Institute for Successful Aging neurologists are available for consultation, evaluation, and ongoing management of these complex conditions.

Neuropsychological Testing

Sometimes memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or loss of ability to carry on daily activities require more in-depth evaluation. Our neuropsychologists will look beyond the basic functional losses and provide comprehensive neuropsychological testing to help your doctor identify the problem and how best to overcome or compensate for any deficits.

Hospital Geriatric Consultation Service

Hospitalization is a difficult experience for anyone. In older individuals, a change in environment, interrupted sleep patterns, multiple medications, and severe illness make medical and nursing care very complex. Our geriatricians are available to provide in-hospital geriatric consultation on complex older patients to primary care physicians and will make recommendations for care and discharge.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities