July 7, 2021 – In Florida, 20.5% of the population is 65 years and older with the state ranking second in the nation only to Maine at 20.6%.
Holy Cross Health is helping the aging population in South Florida live their healthiest and most active lives with the opening of the new Holy Cross AgeWell Center based at the Holy Cross HealthPlex, 1000 NE 56th St. in Fort Lauderdale.
“Our comprehensive, collaborative center is focused on healthcare, well-being and social interaction, all of which are extremely important to everyone’s mental health, regardless of your age,” said Holy Cross Health President and CEO Mark Doyle. “Our new model of care for the AgeWell Center serves those who are Medicare eligible and will provide services needed to age successfully.”
The AgeWell Center medical director provides clinical oversight, with a focus on preventive health, well health visits and chronic and new condition management. The Population Health Nurse is your go-to healthcare provider helping you reach your goals. A social worker provides a listening ear and is a community resource expert.
The patient concierge builds relationships with all members of the Holy Cross Health AgeWell Center, helping them and their families navigate through their visit and assistance with coordinating necessary appointments and transportation to and from the center.
“We are focused on providing the ultimate experience for each older adult, family member and visitor during their time at our facility,” said AgeWell Center Physician Leader, Dr. Jennifer Capezzuti. “The Milken Institute ranks the top cities for ‘successful aging’ with criteria that covers everything from general livability to healthcare to education to community engagement. In 2019, South Florida, covering Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, ranked 74th in the list of the 100 Best Cities for Successful Aging. We need to do better. Our AgeWell Center is a tremendous step forward for the older population in our community.”
Among the services offered to members are:
• Primary Care providers with subspecialty in geriatrics
• Registered Nurse providing care coordination, education and coaching
• Social worker for behavioral health counseling and community resources
• A concierge who assists with coordinating appointments, transportation needs, registration for educational classes and more;
• Assistance with choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan through a partnership with eHealth;
• Same day appointments
• Socially distanced space to foster community engagement;
• Free transportation to the AgeWell Center
• Fresh Inspirations Café serving healthy meals in a modern and airy setting;
• Cooking demonstrations and healthy cooking classes led by Holy Cross chefs;
• Exercise programs with certified fitness instructors that offer on-site yoga, Pilates and balance classes;
• Financial and benefits counseling;
• Gym membership to the Zachariah Wellness Pavilion located at Holy Cross Health which accepts Silver Sneakers, and coming in January 2022, Silver and Fit memberships;
• Health and lifestyle education sessions including diabetes education, respiratory health, nutritional counseling, pharmaceutical counseling, financial counseling, technology 101s and more;
• Spa services, massage and acupuncture with senior discounts on Mondays;
• Spiritual care with multi-denominational chaplains and support groups to assist with life challenges; and
• Holy Cross has partnered with Mindoula to provide virtual behavioral health counseling.
Among the clinical services offered are multispecialty physicians, pharmacist consults; group clinical visits; nutrition/dietary counseling; occupational therapy; an on-site lab; assistance filling prescriptions during visits; on-site imaging including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, bone density and MRI; physical therapy; and wound care.
Members will also have access to spacious community education rooms to meet up with friends and make new ones!
The public is welcome to tour the Holy Cross AgeWell Center on:
o Monday, August 23 at 10 a.m.
o Wednesday, August 25 at noon
o Tuesday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
o Thursday, September 2 at noon
A public open house is set at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 20. For more information, visit https://www.holy-cross.com/find-a-service-or-specialty/agewell-center/
