Observed every September, Healthy Aging Month raises awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults and serves as a reminder that, as we age, our minds and bodies change. At UHS, we recognize that health needs evolve with age and are committed to providing personalized care, services and support that help older adults live healthier, more independent lives.
Designed to support every stage of aging, UHS Senior Living at Ideal is a full-service senior living campus located in Endicott, providing long-term care and wellness services to senior residents. Supporting residents with comprehensive, personalized care, the campus at UHS Ideal features a 130-bed skilled nursing facility, 28 private short-term rehabilitation rooms, 35 assisted living beds, 35 adult care beds and 33 independent living apartments.
In 2025, the campus expanded services with the opening of the outpatient UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation at Ideal, providing state-of-the-art physical therapy services open to both Ideal residents and all members of our community.
For individuals recovering from an injury or illness at home, UHS Home Care provides skilled nursing, durable medical equipment and more. Seniors living independently at home may also benefit from the Home Emergency Alarm Response (HEAR) system, offered by UHS Home Care, which allows subscribers to call for immediate medical assistance at the push of a button, whether in their home or on the go.
As you age, conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even memory impairment can affect your musculoskeletal system and require special consideration and individualized treatment plans. The UHS Orthopedic Center offers specialized care to help patients maintain mobility, manage pain and return to the activities they enjoy most.
For patients considering total joint replacement, UHS Orthopedic Surgeon Benjamin Villacres Mori, MD, hosts a free educational seminar to guide you through the latest advancements and answer any of your questions. Additionally, Bone and Joint classes help senior patients maintain their quality of life, mobility and overall strength and conditioning. Click here to register today.
Recognized for compassionate care that meets your unique needs
Across the UHS System, we have received national recognition for our commitment to going above and beyond to support the health of our senior patients.
For many older patients and their families, hospital care can be a source of stress. That’s why UHS takes part in the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program, a national nurse-driven program that validates a hospital’s commitment to excellence in the care of patients age 65 or older. As part of our partnership with NICHE, UHS nurses have access to special training in the care of older patients.
As a result of our participation in the program, UHS has earned “Senior-Friendly” recognition from NICHE, reflecting the successful implementation of high-quality, System-wide initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to the care of older adults.
Similarly, UHS has been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an “Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence.” This designation reflects UHS’ commitment to the “4M” framework, which means that primary care patients age 65 and older are thoughtfully engaged in their care, as providers work to align treatment with what matters most to the patient and achieve their desired outcomes.
Additionally, UHS Ideal recently achieved a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), earning top marks for staffing, quality and overall performance.
“This recognition demonstrates that UHS Ideal is a leader in senior living and skilled nursing care,” said James Shadduck, administrator of UHS Ideal. “It reflects our team's commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care every day.”
Community-based support for those who need it most
UHS is also proud to be involved in community-based efforts to make a difference in the lives of older persons and their families, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, is a disease that gradually damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain, contributing to symptoms such as memory loss and language impairment.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing rapidly. Some important facts and statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association to know about this crisis include:
- More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
- About 1 in 9 people age 65 or older (11%) is living with Alzheimer’s.
- 1 in 3 older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
- 2 in 3 Americans want brain health guidance from a healthcare provider, but only 14% have discussed maintaining brain health with their doctor.
UHS strongly encourages adults, especially older adults, to have a conversation with their primary care provider about their brain health. If you do not currently have a regular primary care provider, you can find UHS providers currently welcoming new patients by clicking here.
At UHS, we know the immense toll Alzheimer’s takes on individuals and their loved ones, and we are committed to supporting the availability of care for those living with the disease and the critical research into finding a cure. That’s why UHS takes part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s each year in our community.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event encourages participants of all ages to join the fight and raise critical funds that make care possible and advance research toward prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
In our region, this year’s walk will be held at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton on Saturday, September 26, beginning at 10 am. To register for this year’s walk or donate today, click here.
During Healthy Aging Month and throughout the year, UHS remains committed to helping older adults stay healthy, active and connected through expert care.