Advantages of Senior ERs vs. Standard ERs
By the year 2050, the population of people ages 65 and older is expected to double. And with this rise in the 65+ age segment, there is a growing need for senior emergency care. While standard emergency rooms can certainly do the job for seniors who are in need of immediate assistance, there are certain advantages to senior ERs that standard ERs do not fulfill. For this age group, a slower-paced, more diligent type of emergency care with more comfortable accommodations could be a better fit.
The next time you’re in need of quality emergency care for yourself or a senior loved one, see why senior ER care could be a more effective choice:
More comfortable rooms
Senior ERs feature senior-friendly rooms that are more comfortable for both patients and visitors. These private rooms have softer lighting, non-skid floors, reclining chairs and mattresses designed to lessen pressure. Large-print signs and clocks, walkers, reading glasses and flowers will be in the room as well to make a patient’s stay as relaxing as possible.
Specially-trained doctors and nurses
Senior emergency centers offer board certified doctors and nurses who have specialized training and experience in the care of senior patients. Unlike their younger counterparts, seniors are more likely to have cognitive impairment, depression, functional impairment and sensory impairment. Evaluating these types of conditions can be a time-consuming process, which might be difficult to perform in a traditional emergency room. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in senior emergency rooms, however, are trained to handle such situations and can take the time to provide proper care and treatment.
Supervised independence
Social work support is an instrumental aspect of many senior emergency rooms. With the help of individual assessments and goal setting, patients may be able to experience more independence during their stays. And while independence is encouraged, all medications will be closely monitored to avoid harmful interactions.
Although medical emergencies may be unavoidable, more effective senior care could be within reach. Instead of settling for traditional emergency care, get the customized attention and comfortable accommodations that you or a loved one might need at a senior ECC.
With the first Senior Emergency Care Center in the Great Lakes Bay region and the only Pediatric Emergency Care Center, Covenant HealthCare is a leader in extraordinary emergency care for every generation. Learn more about the Senior Emergency Care Center here.
Posted Date: 1/19/2017