Allegheny Health Network Geriatrics Expands Services for Senior Care in Western Pennsylvania
The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Geriatrics division has recently announced significant expansions to better serve the aging population across Western Pennsylvania. This initiative includes the introduction of two new physicians specializing in geriatrics, addressing the pressing demand for specialized care in this rapidly growing demographic.
Diana Rodriguez-Alcantara, MD, will be treating patients at the AHN Geriatric Medicine – Federal North location, while Stephanie Sweeney, MD, will serve patients at the Gibsonia and Mars offices. This expansion is part of AHN's response to the growing number of older adults in the region, especially as statistics reveal that over 20% of residents in Allegheny County are aged 65 and older. By 2050, it is expected that the local population aged 85 and older will increase by 85%, making such specialized care crucial.
Dr. Lyn Weinberg, the division director of AHN Geriatric Medicine, emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, accessible care tailored to the unique needs of seniors. The new physicians will play a pivotal role in supporting older adults by managing age-related issues such as dementia, frailty, and preventing falls, thereby promoting proactive healthy aging.
AHN Geriatrics has taken a comprehensive approach to caring for older adults and their caregivers. In 2022, they established the Aging Brain Care Program, which focuses on providing whole-person support for those in the early stages of dementia and their families. This program connects caregivers with essential resources, reinforcing a community of support.
Further enhancing their geriatric services, AHN was selected in 2024 for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 'GUIDE' initiative, which aims to expand access to comprehensive dementia care for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid programs. This selection underscores AHN's commitment to improving dementia care on a larger scale.
AHN Geriatrics has also gained national recognition as one of only six sites to be named an 'AGS CoCare HELP Center of Excellence' by the American Geriatrics Society. Additionally, ten of its hospitals have received recognition as Age-Friendly Health Systems from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, marking them as leaders in implementing effective inpatient care models aimed at preventing complications like delirium and functional decline in seniors.
The AGS CoCare HELP model and the Age-Friendly Health System framework have demonstrated measurable improvements in patient outcomes, satisfaction, cost-efficiency, and reductions in hospital readmissions—further highlighting AHN's dedication to advancing geriatric care.
In the effort to meet the increasing demands of their patient population, AHN is also broadening its inpatient geriatric consultative services, aiming to provide better support for high-risk patients throughout their hospital stay. For those seeking to schedule appointments or inquire about services, AHN Geriatrics can be reached at 412-235-5874.
As a part of the Highmark Health system, Allegheny Health Network operates as an integrated healthcare delivery system with a network that spans across 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and various healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients of all ages receive comprehensive and advanced medical services.
AHN's effort to expand its geriatric care services reflects a growing recognition of the complexities and unique needs faced by older adults today. By prioritizing innovative programs and expert care, they are dedicated to promoting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in the region.
Diana Rodriguez-Alcantara, MD, will be treating patients at the AHN Geriatric Medicine – Federal North location, while Stephanie Sweeney, MD, will serve patients at the Gibsonia and Mars offices. This expansion is part of AHN's response to the growing number of older adults in the region, especially as statistics reveal that over 20% of residents in Allegheny County are aged 65 and older. By 2050, it is expected that the local population aged 85 and older will increase by 85%, making such specialized care crucial.
Dr. Lyn Weinberg, the division director of AHN Geriatric Medicine, emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, accessible care tailored to the unique needs of seniors. The new physicians will play a pivotal role in supporting older adults by managing age-related issues such as dementia, frailty, and preventing falls, thereby promoting proactive healthy aging.
AHN Geriatrics has taken a comprehensive approach to caring for older adults and their caregivers. In 2022, they established the Aging Brain Care Program, which focuses on providing whole-person support for those in the early stages of dementia and their families. This program connects caregivers with essential resources, reinforcing a community of support.
Further enhancing their geriatric services, AHN was selected in 2024 for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 'GUIDE' initiative, which aims to expand access to comprehensive dementia care for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid programs. This selection underscores AHN's commitment to improving dementia care on a larger scale.
AHN Geriatrics has also gained national recognition as one of only six sites to be named an 'AGS CoCare HELP Center of Excellence' by the American Geriatrics Society. Additionally, ten of its hospitals have received recognition as Age-Friendly Health Systems from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, marking them as leaders in implementing effective inpatient care models aimed at preventing complications like delirium and functional decline in seniors.
The AGS CoCare HELP model and the Age-Friendly Health System framework have demonstrated measurable improvements in patient outcomes, satisfaction, cost-efficiency, and reductions in hospital readmissions—further highlighting AHN's dedication to advancing geriatric care.
In the effort to meet the increasing demands of their patient population, AHN is also broadening its inpatient geriatric consultative services, aiming to provide better support for high-risk patients throughout their hospital stay. For those seeking to schedule appointments or inquire about services, AHN Geriatrics can be reached at 412-235-5874.
As a part of the Highmark Health system, Allegheny Health Network operates as an integrated healthcare delivery system with a network that spans across 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and various healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients of all ages receive comprehensive and advanced medical services.
AHN's effort to expand its geriatric care services reflects a growing recognition of the complexities and unique needs faced by older adults today. By prioritizing innovative programs and expert care, they are dedicated to promoting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in the region.
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