Growing older brings with it a whole new set of medical and social concerns. For this reason, St. Bernards offers a variety of programs to keep seniors healthy and active. A geriatrician practices at our Senior Health Clinic, and St. Bernards is a partner in the Center on Aging–Northeast. From our 55PLUS membership program to the Senior Life Centers, seniors will find a wide range of daily activities or seminars to enjoy. During times of illness or recovery, or when one is unable to live alone, seniors may benefit from services like home healthcare, adult day care, Lifeline, or assisted or retirement living.

The Senior Health Clinic provides comprehensive health assessments, consultations and treatments for senior adults. A caring team consisting of a geriatrician (a physician specifically trained in treating senior adults), an advanced practice nurse and a social worker coordinate care based on individual circumstances. Appointments may be made individually or by physician referral.

More than just a place to live, St. Bernards Village is a unique retirement community. St. Bernards Village residents lead full and active lives in a comfortable and safe environment. Options for people age 55 and over include: Assisted Living Apartments, Congregate Apartments (for more independent living), or condominium-style Cottage Homes. Besides the comfort of having neighbors and staff nearby, the 24-hour emergency call system, fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and overnight foot patrols offer safety, security and peace of mind. Residents are provided meals, utilities, housekeeping, transportation and activities. In addition, Assisted Living residents may receive medication supervision or assistance with personal care from licensed personnel.

Located in Craighead and Poinsett counties in Northeast Arkansas, the eight St. Bernards Senior Life Centers provide vital, active meeting places for senior adults. Each offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Lunch is served daily, Monday through Friday. The Centers also provide transportation, social support, physical activity and care-giving, as well as volunteer opportunities. Centers are located in Jonesboro, Harrisburg, Lepanto, Marked Tree, Trumann, Caraway, Lake City and Monette.

The Center on Aging–Northeast is a collaborative effort among St. Bernards Medical Center, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Area Health Education Center–Northeast (AHEC), and the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging in Little Rock. The mission of the Center is to be the regional resource for older adults, families, healthcare professionals and the community advocating wellness, education and quality care. Services include social work services, a library/media resource center, community education and geriatric education for area healthcare professionals and students.

DayPlace is a private, non-profit program providing daylong care for senior adults who cannot be left alone during the day but do not require 24-hour institutional care. Nutritious meals and snacks are served and personal assistance is provided as needed. As part of this nurse-directed program, medications may be administered and health problems monitored. DayPlace is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. It is a Medicaid Elderchoice provider with a cost of $7 per hour for private pay.

55PLUS is a health services program that provides special services both in and out of the hospital for persons 55 and older. To enhance wellness, 55PLUS sponsors complimentary health screenings, informative seminars and workshops, exercise classes, an informative newsletter, and a discount on purchases in the cafeteria along with complimentary coffee or tea. When hospitalized, 55PLUS members benefit from a streamlined admissions process, a private room at the semi-private rate, and priority for a cot in the room. St. Bernards’ 55PLUS card is honored at participating medical facilities across the country, including CrossRidge Community Hospital at Wynne. All of these benefits are available for a one-time only membership fee of $10 per person.

St. Bernards Home Healthcare provides skilled and non-skilled services on an intermittent and hourly basis to patients in their homes. This care will promote, maintain, or restore health and/or maximize a patient’s level of independence while minimizing the effects of disability and illness. Home Health is a cost-effective, quality driven alternative to institutionalized care. Services include skilled nursing, personal care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and social services. These services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week within a fifty-mile radius of St. Bernards.

Hospice is a special way of caring for terminally ill individuals. The team that delivers Hospice care consists of family, a nurse, the patient’s physician, a social worker, a hospice aide, volunteers and clergy. Together, they enable the patient to receive care alternatives which nurture human dignity and truly provide Christ-like care. St. Bernards Hospice care is available to anyone living within a 50-mile radius of St. Bernards.

Lifeline is a healthcare-based personal response service monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained, caring professionals. A Lifeline Home Unit is easily connected to a standard home phone jack by a trained St. Bernards representative. The waterproof Personal Help button is worn either as a pendant or wristband. When the button is pressed, a certified Lifeline monitor responds within seconds, assesses the situation and summons the appropriate help. The comfort of knowing help is always near is available for a little more than a dollar a day.

This unique meal delivery service was created for those who need assistance with meals in their homes. It is designed to supplement a recipient’s regular meals deliciously and conveniently with delivery right to the door or freezer once a week. All meals are prepared under U.S.D.A. inspection and are planned to meet or exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance of calories, vitamins and minerals. Meals are available in a two-meal pack or a five-meal pack.