Unsurpassed Level of Safety and Service

How the Integrated Practice Unit Works

Our Integrated Practice Unit model is based on the principles of geriatric medicine, which includes ongoing assessments, evaluations, monitoring and care coordination. Geriatric Care Managers are central to the model. The Geriatric Care Manager, who is a registered nurse (RN) or master’s level social worker (MSW), leads and directs the team in the continuum of care. The team is selected for their expertise in geriatric care.

Geriatric Care Managers are central to the model.

An expert Geriatric Care Manager is assigned to the supervision and care coordination of the delivery of all aspects of a clients care, following care management guidelines of the American Geriatrics Society. Responsibilities include:
  • Physiological and functional assessment, social stimulation, counseling, assistance with transitioning to new environments and maintenance of a safe environment.
  • Advice, coordination and collaboration with professional and outside providers.
  • Educating the family about the chronic disease.
  • Developing a Care Plan that provides recommendation for both long-term and short-term care and allows for change as needed.
  • Communicating with the family to explain the Care Plan and steps needed to execute it and assure appropriateness of health and social services.
  • Keeping the primary and specialist doctors well informed.
The Team

Members of the care team, working under the supervision and coordination of the Geriatric Care Manager, document their activities in an internal, centralized computer system. This provides printable reports for families and doctors to be informed of ongoing care decisions and improved coordination within the IPU team.

Members of the team include:

Nurses who perform duties that include treating and educating clients about various medical conditions, and providing advice and support to clients, family members and physicians.

Social Workers who help people function the best way they can in their environment and mediate and solve personal and family problems. They have knowledge of community resources and coordinate care among healthcare and other professionals.

Exercise and Nutrition Specialists who assess the client’s diet and engage the client in regular physical and cognitive activity adapted to their level of functioning.

In-Home Caregivers who assist the client with all Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily living. This includes activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, shopping, and cooking, making sure the client is comfortable and without pain, enhancing their quality of life and comfort.

Healthcare Coordination to ensure optimal client care. We collaborate with other healthcare providers, including physicians, rehabilitation therapists and hospices, to provide their specialized services, all coordinating with the master Care Plan.

All of our services begin with a comprehensive assessment.

“I’m excited about being a part of an organization that offer an innovative model...that doesn’t just look at a patient’s illness – it moves beyond illness by helping both the patient and the family...”

Peter J. Whitehouse, MD, PhD
Director of Integrative Studies
Professor Neurology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Nursing, Organizational Behavior, and Biomedical Ethics and History
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH




Home -  About Us -  Services -  Client Stories -  Team -  Locations -  FAQ -  News -  Careers -  Acquisitions -  Contact Us -  Site Index

Call us toll free at 866.506.1212
and learn how our dedicated Care Managers can help.
© 2008 SeniorBridge Family Companies, Inc.