Ivan Duff, a rheumatologist at the University of Michigan, began research into the treatment and care of elderly patients in his practice. Upon learning that psychological, emotional, and social problems affected their health, he initiated programs to emphasize the treatment of these things, and in doing so, pushed for the creation of a clinic dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness in the elderly while also improving their quality of life. A vote from the University of Michigan Hospital community was taken to determine the necessity of such a clinic. With an endowment from Scott and Amy Prudden Turner that was given to the University Hospital to be used for the benefit of older adults, the Turner Geriatric Clinic was started in 1978. The clinic was designed to offer a wide range of primary health services for elderly patients, including ophthalmology, psychiatry, nursing, physical rehabilitation, dentistry, and education. Duff was appointed the first director and one of his other co-workers, Florence Tillman, was the first nurse of the clinic. Ruth Campbell was employed as a social worker and she worked with Duff to create a committee of elderly people to serve as advisors, friends, and supporters to their peers. The clinic has since hired more people and brought in many volunteers to help with programs. The programs have been educational and supportive, and social programs, including writing circles, have also attracted a large group of people. The clinic distinguishes itself from other clinics like it by offering programs that provide a social support system for non-medical influences in patient's health.
With the growing popularity and success of the Turner Geriatric Clinic, the Turner Senior Resource Center was added in 1998. It serves as an extension of the clinic to house community programs and services. One very successful program from the Center is the Silver Club, a program for seniors with memory loss.
From the guide to the Turner Geriatric Clinic records, 1979-2009, 1990-2008, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
