Main Line Health Brings Free Brain Health Assessments to the Community Through Local Collaboration

Main Line Health recently collaborated with Surrey Services for Seniors (Surrey) to offer free community brain health assessments, expanding access to cognitive health resources for older adults across the region. The program took place in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and reflects Main Line Health's ongoing commitment to meeting the community where they are.

The assessments were offered at three Surrey locations — Broomall, Bryn Mawr and Devon — and brought together multiple Main Line Health teams, including Community Health and Outreach, the Palliative Care Social Work and Bryn Mawr Family Practice. Through this multidisciplinary approach, participants were able to receive a cognitive health assessment from a Main Line Health physician in a familiar setting.

During the assessment, participants received individualized information and guidance related to brain health, including insights into lifestyle habits, nutrition programs and other positive changes that can support cognitive well-being. The program also created an opportunity for meaningful conversation, education and early awareness around cognitive health.

"This was a truly collaborative effort across multiple teams," said Joanne Glusman, MSW, LSW, APHSW-C, Adjunct Faculty Bryn Mawr Family Practice, Palliative Care Social Work. "It was especially meaningful to have our residents actively engaged, working hands-on with community members through this innovative approach."

Surrey Services for Seniors is a regional leader in providing programs, services and connections that help older adults in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties navigate and thrive through the transitions of later life.

"Our Community Health and Outreach team is always looking for new ways to connect with this population," said Margaret Stevens, MPH, MSW, Manager, Community Health and Outreach at Bryn Mawr Hospital. "Meeting people in their own community through a multidisciplinary approach made this collaboration especially impactful. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees."

The initiative served more than 50 participants. Main Line Health and Surrey plan to host the brain health assessments again in the future.