In addition to removing the noise and confusion of younger patients, these EDs focus on “detective work it can take to unravel the multiple ailments that older people tend to show up with,” AP reported.
The elderly often have different symptoms for conditions like heart attack, and general EDs frequently don’t check for cognitive problems that are common among the aged.
At least a dozen self-designated senior EDs have opened since 2008. Nine are operated by Trinity Health of Novi, Mich. St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., started a 14-bed Senior ED two years ago and plans to open a larger one in the fall.
Read the AP report on EDs.
Read more coverage of healthcare coverage for seniors.
–Michigan’s Saint Joseph Mercy Designs EDs for Senior Citizens
–Miami Has Highest Healthcare Costs in the Country
–RetireSafe Tells Congress Medicare Needs More Physician Hospitals
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