NORTHEAST PA — Focusing on geriatric care is more important than ever, according to the Harvard University report “Projections and Implications for Housing a Growing Population.” By 2035, the report states one in three heads of households in the United States will be 65 or older. 

Locally, the number of residents aged 60 or older has trended upward, especially since 2000, according to The Institute. The age group accounts for about 27 percent of the population in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties and 26 percent statewide. By comparison, the group represented about 24 percent of the regional population in 2000 and less than 20 percent statewide. In 2000, Wayne County had a smaller over-60 population, at under 23 percent. It now has a significantly larger over-60 population at 33 percent. 

To continue enhancing its geriatric service line, The Wright Center for Community Health has hired a certified registered nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing high-quality health care to mature adults.  

Nina M. Flanagan, Ph.D., GNP-BC, has joined The Wright Center’s geriatrics team, where she serves as a provider, mentor, educator, researcher and administrator. As part of her duties, she will assist with The Wright Center for Community Health’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care program. 

The program provides personalized care plans for patients with dementia by building in medical needs, solutions for caregiver stress and cultural traditions unique to each individual and their family. The clinic follows a co-management model that works closely with the primary care and/or referring physician to ensure care is comprehensive and coordinated for the person with dementia and their family or caregivers.  

Additionally, Flanagan will work closely with the geriatric team, which includes medical assistants and licensed practical nurses, to provide care to older adult patients and collaborate with physicians in managing both acute and long-term medical needs of the patients.

Flanagan holds a Ph.D. in nursing, as well as a master’s degree in advanced professional nursing/geriatric nursing, from the Decker School of Nursing at the State University of New York at Binghamton (SUNY-Binghamton). Flanagan also holds a post-master’s certificate as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric mental health nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.  She holds board certifications in both specialties. 

Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health, in Northeast Pennsylvania. The Wright Center offers extensive geriatric services, including Alzheimer’s and dementia evaluation and testing, well visits with providers, ongoing care for chronic conditions, caregiver support and preventive care, as well as health education, case management, and linkage to community resources and support services.  

The Wright Center for Community Health accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To make an appointment for the geriatric service line, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570/230-0019.

Contributed by The Wright Center for Community Health.