Living Longer and Stronger: Susan's Story
November 27, 2019
"For a woman my age, I’m in terrific shape. My husband and I are gearing up for a trip to three countries, which may not have been possible without Holy Cross Health."
- Susan Ungar
A simple squat became the tipping point for Susan Ungar’s healthier life. Twenty years ago, the now 76 year old was traveling with her husband, Steve, when she found herself unable to stand from a squatting position. “I had to yell to my husband for help,” Susan recalls. “Then I realized I needed to improve my strength and fitness, and fast.”
That’s when Holy Cross Health’s community health classes became a critical part of her daily life. For decades since, Susan has been reaping the benefits.
Wellness for Seniors
Like thousands of other area older adults, Susan found Senior Fit, Holy Cross Health’s free, award-winning exercise program that is offered at 24 accessible locations, and tailored to helping adults age 55 and older improve their health and quality of life.
“Senior Fit is just one of many Holy Cross Health programs designed to serve the unique health needs of seniors—everything from disease prevention and wellness to specialized emergency services and inpatient hospital care,” explains Annice Cody, president, Holy Cross Health Network.
For Susan, years after her first Senior Fit class, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis and again turned to Holy Cross Health for help. “I didn’t want to rely on medication, and I discovered the Better Bones class,” says Susan. “I tried it and it just blew my mind. We keep moving for an hour, exercising every single muscle group that is important to healthy bones.”
First ‘Seniors Emergency Center’ in the Nation
Susan learned about Holy Cross Health’s depth of commitment to seniors earlier this year when she was experiencing pain in her chest, neck and arm. “I called my doctor who insisted that I go to Holy Cross Hospital,” she says.
When she arrived at the hospital’s Emergency Center, Susan was very anxious. “But I immediately felt safe,” she says. “They took me in right away, performed all the tests and then determined it was acid reflux. Still, they kept me for 24 hours—and brought a recliner in for my husband so he could sleep. Everyone was very kind. It may seem strange to say that a hospital visit was a lovely experience, but it was.”
That is the objective of the hospital’s Seniors Emergency Center.
It was the first of its kind in the nation, and is the only program in the region tailored to meet the unique needs of people age 65 and older. The center’s team members are specially trained in geriatric emergency medicine—and everything from soft lighting and thicker mattresses are designed for the comfort of older adults.
High-quality emergency care for seniors also is available in upper Montgomery County at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Its Emergency Department is fully equipped to care for seniors, built with several of the same senior-friendly design elements and processes used in Holy Cross Hospital’s Seniors Emergency Center.
“While I didn’t need to stay in the hospital,” says Susan, “I wouldn’t hesitate to come to Holy Cross Hospital if I needed to. Everyone made me feel nurtured and well cared for.”