Growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down, and Duke Geriatrics proves this every day. As a leading force in senior healthcare, Duke’s specialized team of geriatric experts combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care to help older adults live their best lives.
Duke Geriatrics stands out in the medical community with its comprehensive approach to aging. From memory care to mobility issues, their dedicated specialists work together to address the unique challenges that come with advancing years. The program’s innovative research initiatives and personalized treatment plans have earned it recognition as one of the nation’s top geriatric care centers, making it a beacon of hope for seniors and their families across the Southeast United States.
What Is Duke Geriatrics: An Overview
Duke Geriatrics, part of Duke University Health System, specializes in comprehensive healthcare for adults aged 65 and older. The center combines clinical expertise with research innovation to address the unique medical needs of aging adults.
Duke’s Approach to Senior Care
Duke Geriatrics implements a patient-centered model focused on maintaining independence and quality of life for older adults. The center’s geriatricians evaluate each patient’s physical health mental acuity social connections medication interactions functional abilities. A dedicated team of specialists creates personalized care plans that address age-related conditions like osteoporosis cognitive decline cardiovascular issues balance disorders. Duke’s collaborative approach integrates primary care services with specialized geriatric expertise ensuring seamless coordination between healthcare providers.
Key Programs and Services
- Geriatric Evaluation Clinic assesses complex medical conditions medication management cognitive function
- Memory Disorders Program provides diagnosis treatment strategies for dementia Alzheimer’s disease
- Falls Prevention Clinic identifies risk factors implements preventive measures reduces fall incidents
- Senior Behavioral Health Services addresses depression anxiety other mental health concerns
- Transitional Care Program manages post-hospitalization recovery ensures smooth care transitions
- House Calls Program delivers medical care to homebound seniors within Durham County
| Service Type | Specialty Focus | Patient Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | Preventive Medicine | 65+ |
| Memory Care | Cognitive Health | 60+ |
| Acute Care | Complex Conditions | 65+ |
| Home Care | Mobility Limited | 70+ |
The Duke Center for the Study of Aging
The Duke Center for the Study of Aging serves as a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to understanding aging processes and improving senior health outcomes. Located within Duke University’s medical campus, the center integrates clinical care, research, and education to advance geriatric medicine.
Research Initiatives
Duke’s aging research portfolio spans cellular aging mechanisms to population health studies. Scientists investigate age-related conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, frailty syndromes, and cardiovascular aging through NIH-funded clinical trials. The center’s Pepper Older Americans Independence Center coordinates aging research across Duke, focusing on physical resilience interventions. Research teams utilize advanced biomarkers, imaging technologies, and longitudinal databases to track aging trajectories in diverse populations. Current projects examine exercise impacts on cognitive decline, medication optimization strategies for older adults, and innovative care delivery models.
Educational Programs
Duke’s aging center provides comprehensive training for healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics. Medical students participate in geriatric clinical rotations, working directly with older patients across care settings. Fellowship programs train physicians in advanced geriatric care practices through hands-on experience in specialty clinics. The center offers continuing education courses for practicing clinicians on topics like falls prevention, dementia care, and polypharmacy management. Graduate students engage in aging research through mentored projects, accessing the center’s extensive data resources. Professional development workshops equip care teams with skills for addressing complex aging-related challenges.
Duke Geriatric Care Facilities
Duke University Health System operates specialized geriatric care facilities designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults. These facilities integrate advanced medical technology with compassionate care delivery systems.
Inpatient Care Units
The Duke Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment (GET) Unit provides 24-hour specialized care for seniors with acute medical conditions. This 32-bed unit features fall-prevention equipment, pressure-relieving mattresses, mobility assistance devices. The unit employs geriatric-trained nurses who monitor patients through advanced telemetry systems. Specialized amenities include:
- Large-print signage throughout the unit
- Handrails in corridors for safe mobility
- Enhanced lighting systems for better visibility
- Non-slip flooring materials in all rooms
- Memory care support stations
Outpatient Clinics
Duke’s outpatient geriatric clinics offer comprehensive care services in multiple accessible locations throughout Durham. The main clinic at Duke Medical Plaza contains:
- Primary care examination rooms with senior-friendly equipment
- Physical therapy spaces with specialized exercise equipment
- Cognitive assessment areas for memory evaluations
- Medication management consultation rooms
- Falls prevention assessment zones
Additional satellite clinics operate in:
- Duke Health Center South Durham
- Duke Health Center North Durham
- Duke Regional Hospital Medical Plaza
- Duke Raleigh Medical Office Building
Each clinic maintains dedicated parking areas, wheelchair accessibility features. Telehealth services complement in-person visits through secure video platforms.
Comprehensive Care Services
Duke Geriatrics delivers specialized healthcare services tailored to adults aged 65 and older through integrated care programs. The center’s multidisciplinary approach combines medical expertise with personalized treatment plans to address age-related health concerns.
Primary Care for Seniors
Duke’s geriatric primary care services focus on preventive medicine management tailored to older adults’ unique needs. Geriatricians conduct thorough assessments of physical health cognitive function medication interactions functional abilities during each visit. The care team includes nurse practitioners pharmacists social workers who coordinate treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes arthritis hypertension. Patients receive customized wellness plans incorporating nutrition guidance exercise recommendations lifestyle modifications to maintain independence.
| Primary Care Services | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wellness visits | Every 6 months |
| Medication reviews | Quarterly |
| Cognitive screenings | Annually |
| Functional assessments | Every visit |
Memory Disorders Program
The Memory Disorders Program provides comprehensive evaluation diagnosis treatment of cognitive conditions affecting older adults. Neurologists geriatricians collaborate to assess memory problems using advanced diagnostic tools brain imaging techniques genetic testing. The program offers specialized care for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease vascular dementia Lewy body dementia frontotemporal disorders. Support services include cognitive rehabilitation therapy caregiver education medication management groups.
| Memory Care Components | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial evaluation | 2-3 hours |
| Follow-up visits | 45 minutes |
| Group therapy sessions | 90 minutes |
| Caregiver training | 60 minutes |
Fall Prevention Services
Duke’s Fall Prevention Clinic implements evidence-based strategies to reduce fall risks enhance mobility in older adults. Physical therapists conduct balance assessments gait analyses home safety evaluations to identify potential hazards. The program includes strength training balance exercises environmental modifications assistive device training. Specialists review medications that might affect balance coordinate with primary care physicians to adjust treatments accordingly.
| Fall Prevention Elements | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Balance assessments | Every 3 months |
| Exercise classes | Weekly |
| Home evaluations | Annually |
| Equipment fittings | As needed |
The Duke Geriatric Workforce Excellence
Duke Geriatrics maintains a distinguished workforce excellence program focused on developing specialized healthcare professionals in geriatric medicine. The program combines clinical expertise with innovative training methodologies to create comprehensive geriatric care solutions.
Expert Medical Team
Duke’s geriatric medical team includes 45 board-certified geriatricians, 28 specialized nurse practitioners, 15 geriatric pharmacists, 12 social workers, and 8 physical therapists. Each team member possesses advanced certifications in geriatric care subspecialties such as memory disorders, falls prevention, and palliative medicine. Team collaboration occurs through daily interdisciplinary rounds, weekly case conferences, and monthly quality improvement meetings. The integrated care model enables coordinated treatment plans that address complex medical conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Specialized Training Programs
Duke offers 6 distinct geriatric training programs including fellowship rotations, nurse practitioner residencies, and interdisciplinary certificates. The 12-month Geriatric Medicine Fellowship trains 8 fellows annually in advanced clinical skills, research methods, and leadership development. The Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Residency accommodates 4 residents per year with focused training in primary care, acute care, and long-term care settings. Additional programs include specialized tracks in palliative care, memory disorders, and geriatric psychiatry. Training incorporates hands-on clinical experience, didactic education, and research opportunities across Duke’s network of geriatric care facilities.
Conclusion
Duke Geriatrics stands as a beacon of excellence in senior healthcare through its comprehensive approach to aging-related challenges. The center’s integration of clinical expertise research innovation and specialized programs creates a robust foundation for high-quality geriatric care.
With state-of-the-art facilities dedicated healthcare professionals and innovative treatment strategies Duke Geriatrics continues to shape the future of senior healthcare. Their commitment to advancing geriatric medicine through research education and patient-centered care ensures older adults receive the support they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Duke’s ongoing investment in geriatric workforce development and specialized programs demonstrates its dedication to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of an aging population. This makes it a trusted leader in senior care throughout the Southeast United States.