Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, announced the opening of its new geriatric unit April 28, part of a $150 million initiative dubbed The Newark Strong project — the hospital’s largest expansion in more than 50 years.

Comprised of 24 private rooms across two floors of the hospital, Newark Beth Israel said the space is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of older patients.

Those kind of accommodations include rooms that are large enough for physical therapy activities, beds designed to reduce pressure injuries and fall hazards, cushioned and slip resistant flooring, and sliding doors to private bathrooms with guard rails, according to Newark Beth Israel. Select rooms are also outfitted with equipment for patients who are not able to walk around.

Work on the new geriatric unit commenced April 2021. The previous space occupied just one floor while it featured more patient rooms — 34 — the newly expanded suites are specifically designed for the needs of older adults.

“This new unit is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering world class care to our patients at every age and stage of life,” said Darrell Terry, president and CEO of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, in a statement. “We have equipped every room and hallway to ensure that older adults and their loved ones have an excellent experience and receive the highest quality care in the safest environment.”

Brightly colored hallways — with guard rails, pull out seating and dimmable lighting — use color blocking patterns to guide and orient patients throughout the unit, which includes a centralized nursing station. For visitors, family waiting areas are wheelchair accessible.

“Our goal is to exceed the individual expectations of each patient, to decrease the stress commonly associated with older adult care and to promote wellness in older adults,” added Newark Beth Israel and Children’s Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Amy Doran.

Newark Beth Israel is a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) Exemplar hospital. Beyond inpatient care, the hospital offers specialized emergency care for older patients at its Donald M. Payne Sr., Geriatric Emergency Department.

Upon completion, The Newark Strong project will create a more welcoming space along Lyons Avenue for patients and the community, “a space that reflects the level of care delivered as well as the hospital’s commitment as an anchor institution in the city of Newark and the South Ward,” according to Beth Israel. Other upgrades coming due to the project include a new, estimated 17,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed lobby that will move the front entrance of the hospital to Lyons Avenue; expanded adult and pediatric emergency departments; hybrid operating rooms; a new critical care unit; and a renovated maternity ward.