Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of The Elderhood Care Team

The Elderhood Care Team (pictured left to right: Jessica Valade, Geriatric Social Service Worker, Nathalie Hickman, RN, Dr. Anthony Di Cintio and Meghan Burnie-Jarvo, RN.) is excited to celebrate over one year of providing medical care to the elder community.

The team, originally founded by Dr. Anthony Di Cintio and registered nurse Nathalie Hickman, launched their service, a fully OHIP-covered primary medical practice that is devoted to home-based care for advanced elders in the communities of Cornwall to Bainsville, last July. Since the launch, the team has grown and welcomed Cornwall natives, registered nurse Meghan Burnie-Jarvo and geriatric social service worker, Jessica Valade.

“We are so glad to have expanded our team to be able to serve more patients with a robust service”, says Dr. Di Cintio. “Our service wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and support of Chateau Cornwall, Chartwell Retirement Home who gave us a home base to better serve our community.”

The Elderhood Care Team was created after realizing that the quality and accessibility of care for elders in comparison to the rest of the population was substandard. “The care of elders is unique in comparison to your average adult”, says Dr. Di Cintio. “Understanding the special considerations when caring for elders and finding effective and logical ways to help them without displacing them became our mission.”

In the last year, The Elderhood Care Team has provided medical care to over 650 patients and is continuing to grow its efforts to service more elders in need. The team strives to offer routine house visits, regular follow-up calls, and several family counselling sessions to provide a one-of-a-kind, high-quality whole-person care experience.

“We are very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far,” says Nathalie Hickman, RN. “We continue to find ways to improve our service and ensure that elders are treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone deserves.”

Here are some testimonials of patients and their families of The Elderhood Care Team:

“My spouse was in hospice for weeks and it was there that I met Dr. DC. He counseled me and my family and was very comforting and nice to talk to. From there I was able to become a patient of the practice on account of my age and being without a doctor. Dr. DC has provided lots of consultations as did nurse Nathalie, nurse Meghan, and Jessica. I’ve mentioned this service to many I meet, and they can’t believe I’m getting this care, it’s just fantastic. I couldn’t ask for better care.” – Robert Hutchingame, 80 years old.

“Our mother Marion Haramis was the matriarch of over 100 family members. She was cherished by all of us so we wanted the best for her especially her health care. Her last years were at a retirement home in Cornwall and her medical care was looked after by The Elderhood Care Team. The team led by Dr. Di Cintio is second to none. We know that my mom’s medical needs were always going to be met. Mom looked forward to seeing them even when she was not well. This reassurance was a big relief to us as we wanted what was best for her and the team gave her that. Our entire family would like to thank them for treating mom with dignity and kindness right up to her last days at home.” – Peggy Haramis, daughter of Marion Haramis, 99 years old.

“Dr. Di Cintio treats us with respect and cares that we are happy and listens to our concerns. We, who are over 80, appreciate and are grateful for his service. It constantly amazes me that there is at least one doctor who believes there is still life for those who are over 80. Before the Elderhood Care Team took me on, I was planning to move closer to my children and leave my home in Cornwall. But after experiencing their level of care, I decided to stay as I fear never being able to receive anything like them elsewhere. Thank you very much Dr. Di Cintio and your team. You are loved and very welcome.” – Carolyn Paquin, 81 years old.

The Elderhood Care Team would like to thank all the elders and their families for their trust and support. For elders aged 80 and over without a primary care provider looking for more information on their service, call 343-585-1194.