Supporting Healthy Aging on Chicago’s South Side

As the number of Americans over 50 years old increases disproportionately compared with younger populations, the need for accessible, integrated care tailored to older adults is more important than ever.

To meet that need, association member St. Bernard Hospital, home to the Center for Better Aging (CBA), in Chicago, offers an innovative care model designed to meet the complex physical, mental, and social needs of aging adults.

Mission and Services

CBA's core mission is to transform health outcomes, nurture well-being, and ensure that adults ages 50 and older have the resources to thrive. The center offers integrated and comprehensive services that support the whole patient, including:

• Primary and specialty care through its ambulatory care center on the St. Bernard Hospital campus, with access to cardiology, endocrinology, behavioral health, and urgent care at its geriatric-certified emergency department
• Wellness and preventative care including wellness checks, mobility and fitness programs, and community events that promote healthy aging
• Social support and sustainable solutions to meet housing, nutrition, transportation, and financial needs. Many members the center serves face serious clinical health challenges coupled with food insecurity, housing instability, family crisis, neglect, abuse, or social isolation.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

CBA's impact is strengthened by a network of local partners, including Chicago State University and University of Illinois Health, which support workforce development and specialty care delivery. Incentives for integrating social services such as mental health support and affordable housing into health care delivery are key to continuing this work. Other organizations, including Chicago Commons, KemeticHlth, Smyl Fitness Rx, and SPARC Wellness, provide care coordination, home care, and fall prevention services.

The center also collaborates with the City of Chicago's Department of Family Support Services, the Alzheimer's Association, faith-based groups, and other community organizations.

In addition to community partnerships, direct outreach is key for CBA to achieve its mission. CBA holds frequent events like health fairs, screenings, and wellness workshops to engage with the target member population and the broader community. These help build trust, raise awareness, and reduce barriers to care.

Care Coordination

Aging adults with multiple complex care needs require careful coordination of medical and social services. CBA has strategically designed a multidisciplinary team to address the whole-person needs of its members, including primary care providers, specialists, social workers, and pharmacists. The team develops individualized care plans, manages medications, tailors services for members experiencing cognitive decline, and offers telehealth for greater access. Additionally, the center consistently seeks grant funding opportunities to sustain program development and operations.

Measuring Success

CBA uses quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the success of its programs and community engagement. The center tracks member clinical outcomes (e.g., A1C, blood pressure), clinic appointment show rates, member satisfaction surveys, and engagement metrics from community outreach events.

In 2024, the center delivered more than 1,000 primary care visits, with a 71.9% clinic show rate, reflecting strong member engagement that supports continuity of care. Integration of University of Illinois geriatric specialists has improved chronic condition management, and providers report regained mobility, independence, and improved health outcomes in members served.

For hospitals and health systems seeking to replicate this care model, CBA recommends building strong, community-driven partnerships and integrating services with existing community resources. Additionally, investment in workforce development is important to train and retain geriatric care providers. The center also suggests diversifying funding sources and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for members.

By combining clinical services with social support, the Center for Better Aging at St. Bernard Hospital offers a model for hospitals and health systems committed to advancing healthy aging in their communities. How is your hospital supporting older adults? Share your story at [email protected].