Katherine Silacci, San Mateo, CA
San Mateo Medical Center
Katherine Silacci, 83, has diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, Paget's disease (a degenerative bone disease) and hearing loss. Because of her age and chronic medical conditions, her daughter found a primary care physician at the San Mateo Medical Center's Ron Robinson Senior Care Center, an interdisciplinary clinic specializing in care to elders.
Over time, Katherine's daughter and her physician became concerned about her Katherine's memory - whether she was taking her medication correctly and remembering to turn the stove off, etc. Katherine's doctor referred her to the RRSCC psychologist for a thorough evaluation. Sure enough, he found that Katherine had significant dementia and that she needed supervision and help taking her medications, among other things. Katherine's daughter became more involved in caring for her mother. Shortly thereafter, Katherine became ill and required hospitalization at SMMC. During the hospital stay, the RRSCC social worker helped her daughter explore options for her mother, including skilled nursing and assisted living. Katherine's daughter ultimately decided to bring her mother home with her, but understands the options should that eventually become too difficult. Today, Katherine continues to live happily and safely with her daughter. They still visit regularly with their primary care doctor and the rest of the team at the RRSCC.
“Dr. Ehrlich and the staff at Ron Robinson Senior Care Center surpassed all of our expectations [of quality care]. They are all so dedicated to the dignity and wellbeing of their patients and keep their best interests in mind always,” said Anna Kelly, Katherine’s mother. She continued by saying that her experience with Dr. Ehrlich has been the most rewarding experience she has ever had with a physician.
San Mateo Medical Center is a 509-bed public hospital and clinic system fully accredited by The Joint Commission. The Medical Center operates outpatient clinics throughout San Mateo County and an acute-care hospital and long-term care facilities in San Mateo and Burlingame. The mission of San Mateo Medical Center is to serve the healthcare needs of all residents of San Mateo County, with an emphasis on education and prevention, and without regard for ability to pay.