Baystate Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP)

Just as children benefit from specialized pediatric care, aging adults have unique health needs that are best addressed through specialized geriatric care. But the number of physicians specializing in geriatrics is declining while the number of older adults is growing.

Seeing the need to improve both patient care and clinical programs, Baystate Health has joined 44 healthcare institutions across 29 U.S. states in a commitment to meeting the increasing needs of an aging population through enhanced primary care.

Improving Health Outcomes for Older Adults

Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, GWEP – led by Dr. Maura Brennan – helps Baystate Health improve the health of seniors by providing specialized geriatrics care while expanding training for doctors, nurses, social workers, and a broad range of healthcare professionals.

What We Do:

• Help patients with advancing dementia, who are frail and homebound, or who have limited access to geriatric care
• Work to better integrate geriatrics with primary care, including improving access to dementia care
• Educate the primary care workforce and community-based organizations on core Geriatrics and Palliative Care best practices
• Partner with organizations in our local community to provide education and support for both caregivers and patients
• Provide house calls and care to patients in Baystate Health’s Community Health Centers in Springfield