Johnson Memorial Hospital Opens New Geriatric Wellness Unit

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. (October 25, 2022) –Johnson Memorial Hospital (JMH) is pleased to announce the opening of a new 15-bed geriatric wellness unit as part of efforts to expand the array of behavioral health services the hospital offers. Johnson's commitment to high quality care and an exceptional patient experience are central to this state-of-the art healing environment for geriatric patients. A ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing were held today to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Lillian “Dolly” Santilli Geriatric Wellness Pavilion and was attended by several elected officials including the office of Congressman Joe Courtney, State Representative Carol Hall, and State Representative Tammy Nuccio.

Often, patients in need of inpatient geriatric-psychiatric services are first seen in a hospital emergency department setting. Once they are stabilized, they are transferred for short-term inpatient care. At Johnson, these patients also benefit from a multi-disciplinary clinical team that utilizes a collaborative approach to care. Patients also have access to a wellness program designed specifically for geriatric patients.

"With a significant increase in the number of older adults anticipated in our service area in the coming years, the need for this new unit is undeniable," said Dr. Edna N. Rodríguez, LP-PsyD, Director of Behavioral Health, Johnson Memorial Hospital. "If left untreated, behavioral health disorders in older adults can lead to diminished functioning, substance use disorder, poor quality of life, and increased mortality, as well as slower healing from physical ailments. The new unit will not only serve this vulnerable patient population, it will also provide respite for their loved ones who want the best possible care for their seniors."

The 15-bed acute care unit includes private and semi-private rooms with private showers. Designed to provide a "homelike" environment, the unit features "pod" style housing and community areas with large windows throughout that allow for plenty of natural light and scenic views of the rural hospital's hilltop setting.

The opening of the new geriatric wellness unit is part of JMH's efforts to meet the needs of the local community, with an aging population that is expected to increase by 16% over the next five years. This unit will provide care to appropriate patients from throughout the Trinity Health Of New England region, including Connecticut and western Massachusetts. It also compliments the ongoing partnership with Athena Health Care Systems, which operates Evergreen Health Care Center located on the hospital’s campus. Athena is currently exploring additional, on-campus expansion opportunities for long-term care, assisted living and senior housing.

"The opening of the new Lillian “Dolly” Santilli Geriatric Wellness Pavilion is representative of Johnson Memorial Hospital's commitment to serve as a transforming, healing presence in the local community," said Stuart Rosenberg, M.B.A., President, Johnson Memorial Hospital. "We are grateful to our Johnson colleagues who worked tirelessly to support our vision for this unit, and we are confident that their clinical expertise and caring attitude will truly benefit this vulnerable patient population."