A new health hub in Crown Heights, established by TeamCare Medical, aims to transform healthcare access for older adults and local residents. The facility, located at 629 Park Place, officially opened its doors this month, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by healthcare leaders and community partners. This initiative focuses on a comprehensive, community-centered approach to healthcare, integrating medical services with social supports.
Ziad Farah, MD, MBA, the chief medical officer of TeamCare, emphasized the program’s commitment to collaboration and accessibility. “We’re very excited. We’re delivering a whole care approach in our [TeamCare] program,” Farah stated in an interview prior to the event. He highlighted the critical need to provide healthcare locally, particularly for the elderly, stating, “There’s a need in healthcare, especially for older adults, to bring care locally, make it close, make it accessible.”
Innovative Design for Comprehensive Care
The layout of the new Crown Heights facility reflects its holistic approach. The first floor is dedicated to primary care and aligned specialty services, while the second floor houses a social daycare program designed to engage and support older adults. This dual focus aims not only to address medical needs but also to foster social interactions, which are vital for mental and emotional well-being.
Tara Buonocore-Rut, president and CEO of CenterLight Health System and TeamCare Medical, noted that the model builds on decades of experience in caring for seniors through the PACE program, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. “CenterLight has always championed innovation and holistic models of care,” Buonocore-Rut remarked during her presentation. She pointed out that while PACE is recognized as a gold standard for coordinated care, many eligible older adults still lack access to these vital services.
“There’s a disparity between people who are eligible and not eligible for PACE services. Many individuals could benefit from PACE-like services but are not eligible for the program,” she explained. The new hub seeks to bridge this gap by offering high-quality primary care to those who need it most, regardless of their eligibility for PACE.
Addressing Isolation and Promoting Independence
An essential aspect of the facility’s vision includes combating social isolation among older adults. Buonocore-Rut emphasized that isolation can be as detrimental as untreated medical conditions. “One of the keys to making sure that people age independently is keeping them in a community, socialized, engaged,” she stated. The facility aims to create a space where older adults can receive medical care, meals, and social interaction all in one place.
“Bringing them to a location, keeping them engaged, keeping them with their peers, giving them food, giving them access to all these wonderful things is amazing for their health and well-being,” Buonocore-Rut continued. This integrated model is designed to improve both health outcomes and quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain connected to their community and peers.
With the grand opening of the Crown Heights facility, TeamCare Medical is set to enhance the healthcare landscape for older adults in the area. The focus on holistic care, community engagement, and accessibility positions this health hub as a crucial resource for residents seeking comprehensive support. For more information, interested individuals can visit TeamCare Medical’s website.
