Case Study: Integrating Age-Friendly Care in a Geriatric Emergency Department

An interdisciplinary team at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, Calif., has effectively integrated age-friendly care in its busy emergency department, which also is recognized as a GEDA (Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation)  Gold Level 1 facility.

By prioritizing data collection and analysis and addressing quality of life, care goals and caregiver strain, the hospital has decreased readmissions for patients age 65 and older, improved job satisfaction and retention among nurses, and achieved other positive outcomes. The team is now collaborating to share best practices and standardize guidelines of care for older adult patients across the health system.