MISSION: To strengthen our community by improving the quality of life of older adults.

The ELIH Geriatric Center of Excellence, a 'center without walls', offers comprehensive geriatric medical services aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors in a hands-on, caring environment both in the hospital, their homes and community-wide.

Eastern Long Island Hospital remains committed to attentively, expertly and compassionately guiding older area residents in their pursuit of health and wellness. Cooperative efforts of multiple local agencies make these services possible.
 

Looking for Guidance?
CALL SENIOR OPTIONS & SOLUTIONS (631) 477-5425

To meet the needs of the residents in our community, ELIH offers the Senior Options and Solutions (SOS) program. This program provides assistance to older adults, families and caregivers who need help answering healthcare questions, identifying their needs, and accessing necessary services.   Program also provides connections to other resources in the community through collaboration and cooperation.

Links to Community Resources
 

Information & Education

Monthly ‘senior’ wellness programs and screenings are being coordinated with Southold Town Senior Services.  FACTS for Seniors, our online educational library, offers articles related to aging and wellness, as well as common issues and questions. 

The Senior Options and Solutions Program is a resource for seniors to get information or guidance, when faced with health issues. 
 
Wellness classes are scheduled monthly at the Southold Town Senior Center in Mattituck.  Periodic programs are offered at Shelter Island Senior Nutrition Program and Peconic Landing in Greenport.

See Senior Calendar for listings.

Assessment

A care manager is available to assess an individual’s needs at a convenient location – in the home, at community centers or at the SOS Office (red building).  After a review of topics such as medical and mental health status, housing and in-home needs and social functioning, the care manager connects the individual with services where necessary to encourage independent living and optimize good health.

Referrals

It is very common for your loved one to be referred to alternate community services that specialize in this client’s needs. Our care manager’s knowledge of available options and their expertise will benefit our elders with professional referrals and direction.

Some of these services are:

• Social Interaction/ programming
• Cognitive programming
• Nutrition
• Benefits assistance
• Home services
• Housing/Placement

Collaboration

ELIH is working closely with Southold Town Senior Services and other local programs that serve seniors; and is committed to strengthening our community by improving quality of life for older adults. 

Development / History

This ‘center without walls’ is a coordination and collaboration of resources in the community.
 
Early in 2005, discussions began between the Town and ELIH on how to reach out to seniors in our community, identify needs and improve services.  This initiative, led by Karen McLaughlin, Town Director of Human Services, brought together key individuals to begin to explore making this goal a reality. 

Funding opportunities were explored and applications made for grants that could fund the vision of a Geriatric Center of Excellence on the North Fork. As a result of the dedication and hard work of this core group of individuals working alongside The Long Island Home (d/b/a South Oaks Hospital) and the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, a grant was awarded that led to the creation of the Senior Options and Solutions Program.

We are grateful for the foresight of the ELIH Board of Directors, particularly, Gene Yourch, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, as well as Karen McLaughlin for being such fierce advocates for the older adults that live in this community.

Click here for Links to seniors resources on the North Fork and Shelter Island.