Geriatric EDs seek to address elder adults’ care needs

Geriatric emergency departments, designed to address the risks and needs of elder patients, can reduce hospital admissions and deaths of older adults and lower costs, studies show. The American College of Emergency Physicians has accredited 624 geriatric EDs in the U.S. since 2017. While serving all patients, these facilities integrate age-friendly practices and processes designed to minimize disorientation, falls and other problems affecting older adults. Geriatric ED providers seek to determine the causes behind an ailment and how to prevent it from reoccurring. Geriatric ED providers offer reading glasses and sound-amplifying devices, as well as dim lights and offer eye masks and earplugs to enhance sleep.  These facilities also reduce ED boarding. (KFF News article, 8/18/26)