The Center for Healthy Aging at 91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ, established in 2025, is a center of excellence for research and compassionate patient care that promotes improved health outcomes for older adults in Southwest Michigan. The effort, which is part of a collaboration with Western Michigan University and several other stakeholders, including the West Michigan Cancer Center and senior service agencies in the region’s nine counties.
Surgical Transitions in Aging Residents (STAR) Program
The care team at 91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ Health, the medical school’s clinical practice, includes a geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrists, general surgeons, and cancer surgeons who are leading a new initiative – the Surgical Transitions in Aging Residents (STAR) program – to provide assistance to elder patients before and after major elective or emergency operations.Â
Older adults are more likely to need a surgical operation than younger adults and the rates of complications, readmissions, and placement in nursing homes after procedures are all higher for the elderly. The STAR program provides multiple points of intervention, including geriatrics consultation and connection to community resources related to food, housing, and transportation to support a more complete recovery, foster independence, and afford patients a greater chance to stay in their homes.
Housed within the General Surgery practice at 91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ Health, the program is supported by a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to strengthen collaborations with multiple community partners, hire additional personnel to help screen patients for the program, and collect data on patient outcomes.