What is a Geriatric Emergency Department?

Northern Nevada Medical Center was recently approved as a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department as accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians to address the needs of the geriatric patient population. Shelby Hunt, DNP, RN, CEN, assistant chief nursing officer Northwest Specialty Hospital, an extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains more about this unique concept.

What is a geriatric emergency department (GED)?

A geriatric emergency department is one that meets certain criteria to accommodate and care for the aging population. This model follows national best practices on staffing and education, care processes, appropriate monitoring and improvement of outcome measures, and equipment and physical resources needed.

What resources are available in an ER to support the aging population?

The ER at Northern Nevada Medical Center offers various resources to aid in a comfortable visit, including paperwork in larger font, HIPAA-compliant discharge instructions provided to caregivers and the patient, bedside commodes to minimize fall risk, walking aids/devices, body warming devices/warm blankets, and more.

Why is this accreditation important for seniors?

According to the Academy of Emergency Physicians, the number of people over 65 years of age is expected to nearly double from 2012 to 2050. A GED accreditation ensures that emergency departments are ready to care for this growing population and their needs. With appropriate education and training, GED staff are equipped to recognize and care for these patients in a manner that accommodates their older age.

Northern Nevada Medical Center is proud to hold accreditation as a GED to provide these resources and services to seniors in our community.

Learn more about Northern Nevada Health System’s 24/7 ER locations and Urgent Care clinics