Geriatric emergency departments redesign care for older patients

Geriatric emergency departments are being redesigned to address the specific medical and psychological needs of older patients. Since 2022, all adult emergency rooms in San Diego, including UC San Diego Health in La Jolla, have been accredited as geriatric emergency departments.

These specialized units utilize specific environmental and clinical adjustments to improve outcomes. Features include thicker mattresses to prevent bedsores, sound-absorbing walls to reduce noise, and windows to help patients maintain circadian rhythms, which can help prevent delirium. Studies indicate that this specialized approach can reduce hospital admissions and deaths among older adults while lowering overall healthcare costs.