NICHE and GEM: Geriatric Care Programs

Compassionate Geriatric Expertise

As we age, our healthcare needs can become more frequent. Older adults often experience functional decline brought on simply by aging alone. We can become at risk for a variety of conditions that can be challenging for caregivers such as dementia, delirium, and frailty. When selecting a healthcare partner, you can have peace of mind that Community Hospital North, Community Hospital East and Community Heart and Vascular Hospital offer a combination of compassionate care and the expertise to understand and address the physical, psychological, and social needs of older adults.

Evidence-Based Care for Better Patient Outcomes

NICHE Recognized Hospital logoIn 2016, the nursing care team at Community Hospital North instituted the Nurses Improving Care of Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program. NICHE is a national nurse-driven membership organization that encourages hospitals to adopt its tested principles, protocols and model of care. This innovative program is dedicated to the highest level of care for our aging patients. The NICHE goals fit perfectly with Community’s culture of patient-centered care.

Due to its success, NICHE was implemented at Community Hospital East in 2017, and will be implemented at Community Hospital South in 2021.

Our program is led by a nurse practitioner who specializes in geriatrics, and who helps guide clinicians, care providers, and nursing staff in providing sensitive and responsive geriatric care with an ongoing, high-level dedication to our aging population. NICHE evidence-based principles are embedded across the hospital, which means older adults receive high-quality, interdisciplinary care that leads to better outcomes.

Patient Care that Includes Families

In our program, care for older adults extends beyond health maintenance. Rather, we look for opportunities to improve health beyond a hospital stay or appointment with us. We believe communication with patients and their family members is crucial to providing care and achieving better health outcomes.

Older adults are hospitalized three times more than the general population and that number is expected to grow. Through 2030, more than 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day.

Geriatric Evaluation & Management (GEM)

The Geriatric Evaluation & Management (GEM) team is an inpatient, geriatric consult service for individuals hospitalized over the age of 65. This specialized, interdisciplinary care team excels in focusing on the needs of the aging patient during a hospitalization, as well as the needs of both the individual and caregiver at discharge. The GEM team works closely with the primary medical team during an individual’s hospitalization to ensure additional support for individuals navigating the aging process.

A part of Community Health Network, the GEM team includes a geriatrician - a physician specializing in the care of older adults - a geriatric nurse practitioner, a social worker case manager, a registered nurse, a pharmacist and a physical therapist. Our clinicians each bring a unique perspective and expertise to an individual’s care, and daily rounds assist in creating a unique care plan based on individual and caregiver preferences and needs.

The GEM team’s focus is to help older adults stay independent, especially when an acute hospitalization can cause further decline for seniors. Our assessment focuses on common issues related to aging – medication review and utilization, nutrition screening, mobility concerns, memory changes, mood or sleep problems, caregiver resources, and discharge planning. Our team is available to provide assistance and information on desired services and resources available throughout Community Health Network and local communities.

Our clinicians are credentialed with all of the major insurance providers, including Medicare.

The GEM team is currently located at Community North, Community East, Community South and Community Heart and Vascular Hospitals. Services are available Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays.

East GEM: 317-355-9290
North GEM: 317-621-6161
South GEM: 317-887-7822

Meet the GEM Teams

East GEM Team

Neshahthari Wijeyakuhan, MD

Neshahthari Wijeyakuhan, MDNeshahthari Wijeyakuhan MD, FACP, FHM was raised in Toronto, Canada. She completed her internal medicine residency at NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn in New York, followed by her fellowship in geriatrics at Abington Hospital Jefferson Health in Pennsylvania. She is dually board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. She worked as a hospitalist at IU Health prior to transitioning to geriatrics.

Dr. Wijeyakuhan is a member of the American Geriatric Society, American College of Physicians and Society of Hospital Medicine. She is part of a research scholarly group called ASPIRE and has published articles based on the elderly population during their hospital stay.

Dr. Wijeyakuhan is extremely passionate about the geriatric population and is thrilled to join the Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) team and the Healthy Aging Transition Services (HATS) team. She focuses on treating patients with complex medical problems, geriatric syndromes such as falls, delirium, dementia, polypharmacy, etc., and coordinating care across the board with family members, caregivers and other providers. She practices patient-centered care as her number one priority.

Dr. Wijeyakuhan loves spending time with her family. She enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music and trying different cuisines.

Jennifer Meagher, MSW, LSW

Jennifer began her career at Community Hospital East in 2018 as an inpatient case manager on Cardiac PCU and then the Renal unit. She is a licensed social worker. Jennifer obtained her bachelor of social work (BSW) from Ball State University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University.

Jennifer transitioned to the GEM team in 2021. As a social worker, Jennifer is dedicated to serving those in need, including the geriatric population. She encourages positive patient outcomes by providing individualized communication and discharge planning services, while respecting the dignity and worth of the patient and family.

Jennifer is from Indianapolis and currently enjoys living downtown with her dog, Jax, and two cats, Kit-Kat and Spinelli. She likes getting together with friends and family, traveling, kayaking, and gardening.

Jake Lemon, PharmD, BCPS

Jake Lemon, GEM pharmacistJake received his doctor of pharmacy degree from Butler University in 2013. He completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Community Health Network in 2014 and remained with the network as a resource clinical pharmacist afterward. He has received training to provide patient care in the Emergency Department, NICU, ICU, PCU/Med-Surg, cancer centers and ambulatory care. In 2015, he transitioned to his current role as a 50-50 clinical pharmacist covering the Cardiac PCU, NICU and GEM team at Community Hospital East. He has been board certified in pharmacotherapy since 2015.

In his spare time, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife (Carly) and son (Anderson), playing soccer, attending Butler basketball games, listening to podcasts, traveling, and trying new local restaurants and breweries.

Christina Ancelet, PharmD

Christina Ancelet, GEM pharmacistChristina received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Butler University in 2017. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at Deaconess Health System in Evansville, Indiana in 2018. Christina moved back to Indianapolis after finishing residency and has been a 50/50 clinical pharmacist at Community Hospital East since 2018, covering the Cardiac PCU, NICU and GEM team.

In her free time, Christina enjoys traveling, skiing, playing tennis, and trying new restaurants around the city.

Angela L. Boyle, PT, DPT, MS, ATC

Angela L. Boyle, physical therapist at GEMAngela’s passion for physical therapy began at Oregon-Davis High School, where she was a student-athlete on the 2007 Indiana 1A State Championship basketball team, recipient of the Patricia L. Roy Indiana State Mental Attitude Award, and an Indiana East All-Star. As a result, she went on to earn her bachelor degree in athletic training from Franklin College while playing on the women's basketball team. She then pursued a master's degree in athletic training from California University of Pennsylvania and a doctor of physical therapy degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After completing a clinical internship at Community Hospital East, Angela fell in love with the patients, people, and friendly environment. She has always had a desire to help others heal and recover from injury/illness through movement and exercise, but particularly values assisting the aging population—something that stems from the love of her grandparents.

In her free time, Angela enjoys traveling, reading, watching sports, playing board games, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. She also has a passion for baking and, between staying current on her Athletic Training and Performance Enhancement Specialist certifications, takes pleasure in making tasty treats for her family and co-workers!

North GEM Team

Angela R. Boyle, MSN, FNP-C, GS-C

Angela Boyle, NPAngela began her career in health care as a certified nurse assistant at an extended care facility in Muncie, IN when she was in nursing school. After completion of her BSN from Ball State University in 2011 she worked at IU Health Methodist Hospital as a bedside nurse on their Advanced Heart Care Unit or cardiac PCU. Angela obtained her MSN from Ball State University in December of 2016 and started her career as a nurse practitioner with IU Geriatrics working in the Eskenazi House Calls for Seniors program and in extended care.

Angela is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a family nurse practitioner and as a Certified Gerontological Specialist from the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Angela found her passion for geriatrics early in nursing school and that passion only grew as a bedside nurse when she realized her best days at work were spent caring for older adults. Angela's interests in geriatrics include managing polypharmacy and providing education and support for patients and their families.

In her free time, Angela loves to spend time with her husband Todd, son Maddox, and dog Meeko at their home or exploring the outdoors. She is very close with her family and enjoys being an aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Alexandra Sanserino, MSN, FNP-BC

Alexandra Sanserino, FNP for Procare at HomeAlex is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She completed her bachelor’s in psychology from Indiana University in 2011. She moved to Chicago in 2012 to complete her nursing degree where she completed University of Illinois at Chicago’s Graduate Entry Program to obtain her RN license and her master’s degree in nursing. In 2016, she and her husband moved back to Indiana to be closer to family where she began her career as a nurse practitioner.

Alex’s previous experience is in home hospice care, addiction medicine and immediate care.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling with her husband, game nights with family, and exploring local parks with her dog, Diego.

Heather Allie, BSN, RN-BC, GRN, CDP

Heather Allie, RNHeather attended nursing school at Clarion University, where she completed her associate's degree in nursing in 2009. She then continued her education by completing her bachelor of science in nursing, in 2011, at Waynesburg University. Prior to coming to Community, her nursing experience included inpatient oncology and long-term care at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and outpatient psych and geriatric primary care at the Charleston Veteran's Health Administration. Heather also worked as part of the CMS OPTIMISTIC Grant program, which focused on improving care at local nursing homes. She is ANCC board certified in gerontology, is a certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and has completed NICHE Geriatric Resource Nurse training. Heather is currently attending the University of Indianapolis where she is working towards her master's degree in gerontology. Heather is especially passionate about dementia care and advanced care planning.

In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children, crafting, reading, and outdoor activities.

Anne Day, MSW, LSW

Anne is a licensed social worker who graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology in 2004. She later received her master’s degree in social work from IUPUI in 2007. Anne started working with case management at Community Hospital North in March 2014. Prior to joining Community, Anne worked as a medical social worker with University Hospital with IU Health and for several home healthcare companies, and as a Medicaid Waiver case manager for IPMG. She has more than 14 years of experience in the social work field. She is excited to be a part of the geriatric inpatient program at Community North.

Anne lives in the Indianapolis area, is married, and has two small children at home. She also enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Kate Nielsen

Kate NielsenKate attended Indiana University, Bloomington and received a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a minor in public health. After graduating, she spent two years in AmeriCorps fulfilling her love of community service in areas of unmet human needs, environment, education and public safety.

Kate was especially close with her late grandmother, Maxine, who is her daily inspiration in caring for our aging population and the reason she began work as a life enrichment coordinator in 2016 at a skilled nursing facility. She joined the Community North geriatrics team in February 2020 and facilitates our Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) which uses volunteer visitors to prevent delirium in patients age 70 and older by offering services to improve the quality of their stay. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve Community’s older adults through HELP and hopes to make a difference in the lives of our patients while providing comfort, appreciation, a sympathetic ear, and lots of smiles.

When she is not at the hospital, Kate loves spending time outdoors with her husband, Ben, and their dog, Aria. They enjoy hiking, skiing, camping and cheering on the Hoosiers together. She is a certified Purdue Extension Master Gardener with several native flower gardens, which she is working to certify as wildlife habitat.

South GEM Team

Erin A. Ray, MD

Erin Ray, MDDr. Ray obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Indiana University. She attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at Community Hospital East. After returning to IU for her geriatrics fellowship, she is now a practicing geriatrician at Community Health Network. Dr. Ray is a member of the American Geriatrics Society as well as the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Her interests include the care of older adults in both the ambulatory and hospital setting, with a focus on individualized and comprehensive treatment plans to best meet the needs of each patient and their family. She is passionate about the education of medical trainees to ensure that future providers are well-equipped to deliver the outstanding care that seniors deserve. Dr. Ray proudly serves the Healthy Aging Transition Services (HATS) clinic and the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) team to continue her focus on older adults.

She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and loves animals, especially her cat, Charlie.

Stephanie Sherrow, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Stephanie Sherrow, Nurse PractitionerStephanie Sherrow is a native of Rushville, Indiana and currently resides on the south side of Indianapolis. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing and her master of science in nursing from the University of Indianapolis where she received the CARE award for demonstrating outstanding caring qualities. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in adult and geriatric primary care. She is a member of ANA, GAPNA, AGS and IGS.

Stephanie enjoys working with the geriatric population and has special interests in chronic disease management and palliative care.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and pet Corgi. She also enjoys working out, cooking, traveling and reading a good book.

Pam Darby, RN, CHPCN

Pam earned her associate of science degree in nursing from Mt. San Jacinto College in Menifee California in 1997. She worked as an RN in cardiac care and ICU. Pam then transitioned to hospice and palliative care where she spent the last 17 years. Pam is excited to join the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Team at Community South. This will allow her to expand her skillset and continue to support the most vulnerable older adult population.

Pam enjoys being a part of an interdisciplinary team to help meet the patient’s physical, psycho-social and spiritual needs. Pam’s passion in nursing is expressed best when she can help patients and family members find peace and comfort in their difficult situations, to help maintain quality of life.

GEM and NICHE Leadership

George Hoyek, MD, MBA

Georges Hoyek, geriatric care physicianDr. Hoyek received his doctorate degree from Lebanese University School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at St. George Medical Center, a family medicine internship/residency at University of North Dakota, and a geriatric fellowship at University of Nevada School of Medicine. He is a certified medical director and most recently served as a hospitalist at Trinity Hospital. He also has an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

He is a member of AMA, AGS, AMDA, AAFP, and Alpha Omega Alpha. He has a special interest in geriatric syndromes (frailty, fall, gait impairment), dementia/delirium/depression and geriatric acute/post-acute/long term care. He also has an interest in development and implementation of geriatric models of care.

He enjoys skiing, golfing, tennis and travel.

Margaret “Molly” Campbell, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Molly Campbell, RN, NP, director of inpatient geriatric careMargaret “Molly” Campbell, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, is the director of inpatient geriatric care at Community Hospital North (CHN). Molly brings more than 10 years of geriatric knowledge and healthcare experience to this new role. She works closely with Indy region leadership, medical staff, employees, and the public to support the Network mission, vision, and goals in promoting the development of a leading geriatric care model.

Molly received her bachelor of arts degree in gerontology from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She then entered a three-year program at Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, CT, to obtain her RN and master’s degree in nursing. Molly’s nursing career began as a student nurse and then a registered nurse for cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular patients at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Molly’s professional certifications and associations include American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification in Adult and Geriatrics; nurse practitioner license; registered nurse License; CPR trained; American Geriatrics Society member; Indiana Geriatrics Society member; Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses of Indiana member; and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners member.

In her free time, Molly enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband (Noll), son (Beckett), daughter (Dorothy), and their dog (Paddington). She also enjoys staying physically active, traveling, and going to sporting events and concerts.

Contact NICHE or GEM

For more information about the NICHE and GEM geriatric care programs, please contact Molly Campbell at 317-621-6161 or mcampbell3@eCommunity.com.

Additional Resources

At Community, we offer comprehensive outpatient services to assist older adults, including: