What Geriatric Emergency Departments Do Differently
These specialized units can help keep older patients out of the hospital, lower their healthcare costs, and more.
Cynthia Tompkins, a 75-year-old retired teacher, sought emergency care after experiencing violent vomiting and other concerning symptoms. Upon arriving at the UC San Diego Health ER in La Jolla, she was pleasantly surprised by the geriatric-specific care she received. The department, accredited since 2022, is designed with the unique needs of older adults in mind.
Tompkins was quickly accommodated in a comfortable room with a thick mattress, blankets, and a window offering natural light. The ER's emphasis on elder-friendly practices, such as reducing sensory overload and addressing medication concerns, helped alleviate her anxiety and prevent delirium. Nationwide, 624 geriatric emergency departments have been accredited, with 73 located in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.
These facilities, serving all age groups but implementing senior-specific protocols, aim to reduce hospital admissions, falls, and delirium among older patients. Studies show that geriatric ERs lower the likelihood of hospital admission for older patients by 39% compared to traditional ERs.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
