Organization Details:

VOICES 60+ is a volunteer-based senior advocacy program for older adult patients 60 and over at the Hospital for Special Surgery who are receiving medical care for the rheumatologic illnesses and orthopedic conditions. Our goal is to enhance the medical care experience of older adult patients (seniors) and connect them to needed resources in the community in order to improve quality of life. We outreach to patients in person and by phone. We are staffed by a clinical social work Program Coordinator, Team Leader and trained volunteers.

Description and/or History:
The mission of Hospital for Special Surgery is to provide the highest quality patient care, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for all and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and their related disciplines through research and education. We do this regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.

The VOICES 60+ Program is open Monday-Friday from 10-3pm. We are recruiting volunteers who have an interest in gerontology and social work and would like to gain experience in a hospital setting. We are interested in volunteers who are bilingual- English/Spanish. Feel free to call the Program Coordinator with your interest.

VOICES 60+ was created as a part time program in February 2006 as the hospital discovered that many older adults were not seeking social work assistance. A needs assessment indicated that older adults tended to minimize important concerns and did not communicate their needs to their doctors. A literature review supported these findings. After initial success, HSS launched the program full time in March 2007 and the program has become in integral part of the social work support programs the hospital offers.

Contact person: Juliette Kleinman, LCSW, ACSW, Program Coordinator, (212) 774-2737, (email)

Address:

535 East 70th Street New York, NY 10021 (See a map)

Directions:

If taking train, take the uptown #6 train to 68th street, Hunter College. From there take the M66 bus to York Avenue. You can walk west to East 70th street and the entrance to the Hospital for Special Surgery is. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 68th Street, Hunter College,   Walk distance (in minutes): 15   Nearest Bus Stop: M66, 5 minute walk