In the city’s busiest emergency department, time is a valuable resource. Between moments of life-saving care, staff listen to patients and understand not only their symptoms but also what could make their visit a little easier. For many elderly patients, getting those needs met comes with another set of challenges.
Committed to providing holistic emergency care tailored to the unique needs of older adults, the Age-Friendly Emergency Department (AFED) brings together an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and patient navigators to better serve older adults and those with cognitive decline.
At first glance, this often looks like a stuffed animal or a purple identifying bracelet. But for both patients and their caregivers, it means a dedicated team of providers who understand that specialized care can make the difference between decline and recovery.
At triage, the staff determines the type of care each patient needs. For those 65 and older, a frailty screening alerts the AFED team to assist with more in-depth diagnostics and specialized care.
Because time spent in a busy emergency department can often be disorienting, AFED introduces a repurposed cart filled with items to help older patients feel at ease. From reading glasses and puzzles to snacks and robotic pets, patients are offered support to avoid the need for medical interventions like restraints or sedatives.
The most effective intervention has been robotic pets. It’s remarkable and dramatic how they calm people and decrease agitation. Eric Isaacs, MD, AFED Medical Director
As the program evolves, patient and family voices remain central to guiding AFED’s future. The AFED team is continually developing new partnerships with community organizations dedicated to helping aging populations so that patients, and their caregivers, leave with resources in hand to aid their recovery.
Learn more about the AFED team here and see the team in action in a series of videos below.