The Geriatrics Grant Oversight Team, from left, Professor Lisa Granville, M. D., principal investigator; Nicolette Castagna, LMHC, MPH, CDP, NCF-GWEP community engagement and health systems manager; Professor Paul Katz, M. D., co-principal investigator; and Tiffany Holcomb, MSW, GWEP coordinator. Not pictured, LaVon Goodwin, M. S. program manager.
Program Spotlight: FSU REACH cultivating an age-friendly future
By Patience Moseley, Ph. D. FSU College of Medicine
As Florida’ s older adult population continues to grow, reaching an anticipated 7 million people by 2040, the FSU College of Medicine is redefining geriatric care. The REACH( Resources & Education for Aging, Community, and Health) Program is one major contribution toward an age-friendly future. This program is designed to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and community-based support.
An outreach arm of the North and Central Florida Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Partnership( NCF-GWEP) enhances accessibility of geriatric care to students, doctors, and the community.
For older adults, REACH provides tools to help them maintain independence and advocate for their own healthcare needs and goals. REACH also provides support and skill-building opportunities for caregivers and family members who care for older adults. FSU REACH provides healthcare workers with specialized training to properly care for older adults and even provides training for first responders and transit workers on creating“ dementia-friendly” environments.
With a focus on longitudinal care, which requires treatment and management of multiple chronic conditions, REACH aims to prioritize the quality of life for older adults and empower them to play a role in their own healthcare. REACH expands training and awareness of the 4M’ s of age-friendly care.
34 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE OF MEDICINE