A new health hub in Crown Heights aims to transform healthcare access for older adults and residents by providing comprehensive services nearby. TeamCare Medical officially opened its facility at 629 Park Place this month, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by healthcare leaders, elected officials, and community partners.
The facility adopts a “whole-person” model of care, which integrates medical services with social supports in a single location. Ziad Farah, MD, MBA, the chief medical officer of TeamCare, emphasized the center’s commitment to collaboration and accessibility. “We’re delivering a whole care approach in our program. We’re collaborating with community practices and organizations to create a unique integrated model for all our patients,” he stated.
Bringing healthcare into neighborhoods is particularly crucial for older adults, according to Farah. He noted, “There’s a need in healthcare, especially for older adults, to bring care locally, make it close, make it accessible.” This approach, he believes, enhances the overall patient experience and fosters community connections.
Facility Design and Services
The facility’s design reflects its mission. The first floor accommodates primary care and aligned specialty services, while the second floor serves as a social daycare program aimed at keeping older adults engaged and connected. Tara Buonocore-Rut, president and CEO of CenterLight Health System and TeamCare Medical, explained that the model builds on decades of experience in senior care through the PACE program, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. “For more than 40 years, we’ve been pioneers in care for older adults across New York City,” she affirmed.
Buonocore-Rut highlighted that PACE is recognized for its coordinated, interdisciplinary approach that promotes seniors’ independence and well-being. However, she pointed out that many older adults do not qualify for PACE services, creating a gap in care. “There’s a disparity between people who are eligible and not eligible for PACE services. Many individuals could benefit from PACE-like services but are not eligible,” she explained.
By establishing this new location, TeamCare Medical aims to provide high-quality primary care to older adults who may not qualify for existing programs. Buonocore-Rut stated, “Everyone should have access to that,” emphasizing the need for inclusive healthcare solutions.
Addressing Isolation and Enhancing Well-Being
The addition of a social daycare component is central to the facility’s vision, as isolation can significantly impact older adults’ health. Buonocore-Rut noted, “One of the keys to making sure that people age independently is keeping them in a community, socialized, engaged.” Many seniors experience isolation, which can lead to a decline in their physical and mental health.
The Crown Heights health hub aims to address these issues by offering a space where older adults can receive medical care, meals, and social interaction all in one location. “Bringing them to a location, keeping them engaged, keeping them with their peers, giving them food, giving them access to all these wonderful things is amazing for their health and well-being,” Buonocore-Rut emphasized.
TeamCare Medical is now fully operational at 629 Park Place in Crown Heights, providing essential services to the community. For more information, visit their website.
