MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Expands Geriatric and Hospice Care Programs with $6 Million Gift

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is embarking on a transformative journey in emergency geriatric and hospice care, thanks to a generous $6 million gift from the estate of the late Marilyn V. Adams. A prominent philanthropist and former Laguna Woods resident, Adams has had a lasting impact on the community through her prior donations to MemorialCare. During an event on December 2, Barry Arbuckle, the chief executive and president of the Fountain Valley-based MemorialCare health system, emphasized how vital this care is for the community. This initiative not only honors Adams but also prepares the hospital to better serve the growing population of seniors in the region.

In recognition of Adams’ contribution, Saddleback Medical Center has established two key initiatives: the Marilyn V. Adams Geriatric Emergency Program and the Marilyn V. Adams Comfort Care Fund. The latter will fund a health navigator for the emergency department, aimed at guiding senior patients through their healthcare experiences. “We want to create an environment that promotes safety and calmness, especially given issues like delirium commonly associated with seniors,” said Shela Kaneshiro, CEO of Saddleback Medical Center, who took the helm in April after Marcia Manker. Kaneshiro’s experience at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center provides her with a solid foundation to lead these critical initiatives.

Addressing the Growing Needs of Orange County

Marilyn V. Adams, originally from Ohio, recognized the increasing healthcare needs of the aging population in Orange County over a decade ago. She initiated conversations with the hospital foundation at Saddleback Medical Center to identify how her contributions could make a meaningful difference. “She understood the importance of the hospital for seniors, especially as a resident of Laguna Woods, a community highly populated by older adults,” stated Colleen “Coco” O’Connor, Executive Director of Philanthropy for Saddleback Medical Center Foundation. Given that approximately 17% of Orange County’s 3.1 million residents are aged 65 and above — a number projected to rise by 66% by 2049 — the need for specialized care in this demographic is more crucial than ever.

Laguna Woods stands out with an overwhelming 92% of its residents falling into this senior age bracket, highlighting the necessity for enhanced healthcare services. In this landscape, MemorialCare’s expanded offerings are timely and vital. The addition of dedicated facilities serves to cater specifically to this demographic, ensuring that they receive tailored care suited to their needs.

Comprehensive Emergency Care for Seniors

The geriatric emergency program at MemorialCare Saddleback is designed to address age-related health issues, such as falls, infections, and chronic disease complications. This initiative provides 24/7 emergency care focused on improving outcomes for senior patients. In conjunction with this, the newly established comfort care program emphasizes quality care for patients facing advanced illnesses where curative treatment is no longer feasible. The generous funding from Adams will facilitate the establishment of an electronic medical record for the comfort care program, transforming it from manual processes to a streamlined, technology-driven approach.

Kaneshiro highlighted the importance of this transition: “We want our dedicated hospice care teams to concentrate on being present with patients at the bedside, which will enhance the overall efficiencies of care.” This commitment to improving operational efficiencies ensures that healthcare providers can focus on delivering the highest quality of care, particularly critical in sensitive situations surrounding end-of-life care.

Advancements in Women’s Health Services

Beyond the focus on geriatric and hospice care, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is also amplifying its women’s health services. The hospital recently inaugurated a $60 million Women’s Health Pavilion, which represents a significant investment in comprehensive healthcare for women. Located directly across from the medical center, the 42,000-square-foot facility is particularly notable for housing the region’s only breast center staffed exclusively by radiologists, surgeons, and medical oncologists specializing in breast cancer treatment.

This expansion is not just beneficial to the community; it also reflects best practices in women’s health, ensuring that women have access to multidisciplinary teams for diagnosis and treatment. Generous contributions, such as the $2.5 million donation by sisters Sarah and Taylor Nederlander through the Harry J. Nederlander Charitable Foundation, have played an instrumental role in making this cutting-edge facility a reality. Their investment underlines the importance of community involvement in healthcare advancements.

Commitment to Quality Care

As MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center scales its programs in both geriatric and women’s health, a consistent theme emerges: the focus on delivering quality care tailored to individual needs. The driving force behind these initiatives is the understanding that healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly in serving aging populations and women facing unique health issues. With leaders like Shela Kaneshiro at the forefront, the hospital is poised to make substantial strides in redefining how care is delivered, making it not only efficient but also compassionate.

Kaneshiro’s past experiences as chief clinical transformation officer and chief nursing officer allow her to provide a steady hand in navigating these expanding programs. Her vision aligns with MemorialCare’s mission to enhance community well-being through innovative healthcare solutions tailored to the demographics they serve.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As Orange County continues to evolve with an aging population, the initiatives at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center are timely and necessary. With the support from visionary philanthropists like Marilyn V. Adams and active community leaders, the hospital is not just adapting; it is pioneering innovative approaches in emergency geriatric care and hospice services. The commitment to establish specialized programs, modern technology, and facilities dedicated to women’s health reflects a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes quality, accessibility, and comprehensive care.

In conclusion, the expansion of services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center signifies a turning point in healthcare for aging populations and women. These developments will serve as a model for other healthcare providers in the region and beyond, highlighting the importance of tailored health services that meet the unique needs of each patient population. As healthcare continues to advance, the focus remains on building a system that not only supports patients through their healthcare journeys but also prioritizes their well-being and dignity.