This September, Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, N.J., completed a $5.8 million ED expansion to treat seniors, according to a Press of Atlantic City report.
Inspira Vineland’s expansion project included waiting areas, triage rooms and emergency room bays specialized for seniors. Waiting room chairs stand at different heights to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs or walkers, while nonslip, nonwaxed floors reduce the risk of falls.
“We recognize that seniors respond differently to medicine and treatments than other adults,” said John DiAngelo, Inspira Health Network president and CEO. “It was our goal to implement a specialty program catered to their needs.”
In 2015, Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati spent $1.2 million to make its ED better suited for geriatric patients, according to WCPO. The renovation includes slip-resistant flooring, stretchers with pressure-relieving mattresses, railings to prevent falls and gentler lighting.
“People are living longer,” said Kenneth Patton, DO, Bethesda North medical director. “That’s causing more problems, and they’re utilizing the emergency department a little bit more than they did 10 to 15 years ago.”
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