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Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation at ChristianaCare

Expert, Caring Partners in Memory Care

Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation at ChristianaCare is Delaware’s first and most comprehensive outpatient office for patients with memory disorders and their families. Approximately 19,000 people across Delaware are coping with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation offers these patients and their families essential support, education and guidance from diagnosis through treatment.

About Us

The Swank Center can help in many ways. Our multidisciplinary team allows input from clinicians skilled in geriatric consultation. Our social worker, community educator, psychiatrist, and neurologist provide additional input, working together to conduct a comprehensive memory assessment. We collaborate with primary care clinicians, refer to appropriate specialists, schedule appointments, coordinate care, discuss treatment, review caregiving options, and provide vital follow-up care.

The Swank Center is here for you and your significant other with the support you need every step of the way. For consultations, please call us at 302-320-2620.

 

“The Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation stands alone. It is the only place that was there for not only the patient, but was a constant source of support for the caregiver and family.”

– A grateful caregiver

Services

  • Initial history and other screening assessments are performed on-site. A full battery of assessments is available to help us understand a patient’s cognitive, functional, and behavioral status.
  • We offer help with scheduling appointments and consultations with local neurologists, psychiatrists and other behavioral health specialists.
  • A skilled clinician will evaluate patients and caregivers at each visit. Input from our social workers, psychiatrist and neurologist may be requested in addition.
  • Caregiver support is provided, including caregiver training and resource referrals.
  • The treatment team communicates with each patient’s primary care providers and other caregivers to ensure coordination of care.
  • For interested individuals, referral to clinical trials may be an option.

Swank Center For Memory Care FAQs

It depends on the root cause of the memory problem. However, by adopting healthy habits, there is a chance you may enhance your memory or delay memory problems. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, social engagement, and stress reduction will improve your health overall and may benefit your cognitive functioning too. In addition, some research suggests that keeping your mind active by learning new skills or “exercising” the brain with challenging activities such as puzzles can help keep the mind and memory sharp.

While there is evidence that some memory disorders can be passed down through family members, there are a number of lifestyle factors that affect the memory. Some factors that may affect the memory include:

  • Medications.
  • Alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
  • Head injury.
  • Sleep deprivation.
  • Nutritional deficiencies.
  • Endocrine disorders including diabetes mellitus.
  • Vascular disease including stroke.
  • Depression and stress.

The Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation can help in many ways. Our multidisciplinary team allows input from geriatricians (doctors focused on elder care), as well as from our geriatric psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, social worker, community educator and administrative staff. This team works together to conduct a comprehensive memory assessment, collaborate with primary care clinicians, refer to appropriate specialists, schedule appointments, coordinate care, discuss treatment, caregiving options, and provide vital follow-up care. We are here for you and your significant other with the support you need every step of the way. For consultations, please call us at 302-320-2620.

Following a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, clinicians at the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation will employ a series of assessments that test for neurological, psychological and cognitive function. Additional evaluation by neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists or other behavioral health specialists may be necessary, as well as testing of blood and urine, and imaging tests such as a CAT scan or MRI. Our staff can provide referrals and help you make appointments with these specialists, as necessary.

A geriatric assessment is a 1.5 hour assessment of medical history and physical examination with a comprehensive healthcare focus.

A memory assessment focuses primarily on memory impairment. This consultation will also address medication management, evaluation and treatment of dementia, patient and caregiver education, and psychosocial needs.

Please allow adequate time for registration and parking. A memory assessment or geriatric consultation takes approximately 1.5 hours with the clinician, so please arrive 30 min before that meeting to begin your visit with the registration process. Allow 2 hours for the total visit. This is more information for appointment scheduling.

Patients are encouraged to bring at least one family member and/or caregiver to appointments.

You should bring current insurance card(s) and an up-to-date medication list. A list of past medical illnesses and medication trials (including doses and effects) will make your visit more efficient. Please, also bring your glasses and hearing aid with you, if appropriate.

Yes, please call 302-320-2620 for more information.

No, you do not need a referral to make an appointment at the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation. Please call 302-320-2620 to schedule an appointment.

Most primary insurances cover 80 percent of the cost for the visit and secondary insurances cover the remaining 20 percent.

Visitors at Wilmington Hospital may use the high-rise parking garage, 24 hours per day. The first two hours are free. The parking garage is regularly patrolled by ChristianaCare constables.  

Support and Education

If you or a loved one has a problem with memory or another cognitive ability, we may be able to help

At the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation, we are here to support you and your family during the diagnosis and treatment of your memory disorder.

Our multidisciplinary team offers:

  • Help scheduling consultations and diagnostic tests with neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatric psychiatrists and other behavioral health specialists.
  • Resource referral support from Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation staff, who can help you identify and access services throughout ChristianaCare and the community at large.
  • Collaborative patient care follow-up with your primary care provider.
  • Caregiver education and referrals for additional support and/or education.
  • Collaboration with community agencies and regional programs.

Our Team

Patricia M. Curtin, MD, FACP
Director, Clinical Strategy and Community Affairs

Lynsey E. Brandt, MD
Geriatrician

Carolyn O. Ianni, MD
Geriatrician

Joseph S. Handler, MD
Neurologist

Michelle K. Ritona, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

Alexandra Nixon, AGPCNP
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Cyndy Fanning, MSW, LCSW
Senior Social Worker, Program Manager

Peachy Tabangin-Griffin, MSS, LCSW
Senior Social Worker

Salila Shen, MSW, LCSW
Senior Social Worker

 

Swank Center A-Z Services List

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Swank Center for Memory Care Philanthropy

Please consider making a gift today to the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation.

Swank Memory Ambassadors Program

Prevent or slow memory loss.

Swank Memory Center Podcast Series

A podcast series from Delaware’s first and most comprehensive outpatient office for patients with memory disorders.

Classes & Seminars

Living a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Swank Memory Ambassadors are trained clinicians and volunteers committed to helping you learn more about memory disorders with a focus on enhancing brain health through free, confidential screening and memory wellness education programs.  We have helpful tips to share about nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation and fall prevention.

Three senior citizens smiling outdoors in the sunlight

Turn to the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation during this challenging time.

Contact Us

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation

Wilmington Hospital
501 W. 14th Street
Gateway Building, 5th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801

Emergency entrance of Wilmington Hospital