SMH Elevates Care for Older Adults, Earns its “GED” Accreditation

November 27, 2024 | Sarasota

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s three emergency care centers are the first on the Suncoast to become accredited Geriatric Emergency Departments, joining a leading group of healthcare providers committing extra resources to ensure well-coordinated, high-quality care for older patients.

Currently adults age 65 and older make up more than 20% of Florida’s population, and according to state projections, will account for at least half of the state’s population growth through 2030. When they become ill or injured, older patients make contact with health care systems at many points – perhaps none as frequently or as importantly as the emergency department, said Reuben Holland, MD, medical director of Sarasota Memorial’s Emergency and Urgent Care Centers.

“As they age, our older patients are often living with multiple chronic conditions and taking medications that make them more vulnerable to falls, adverse drug reactions, depression and dementia,” Dr. Holland said. “Having specially trained clinicians and extra resources to address the complex social and physical needs of our older patients can have a meaningful impact on their quality of life.”

Established in 2018 by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the voluntary Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program (GEDA) encourages emergency departments to adopt best practices and invest in resources designed to improve the quality of care and outcomes of older patients. ACEP notes that accredited GEDs reduce the risk of repeat emergency room visits and hospital readmission, with studies showing up to 16% fewer hospital admissions and a decreased inpatient length-of-stay for admitted older patients.

This year, all three of Sarasota Memorial’s emergency departments earned Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation — SMH-Sarasota, SMH-Venice and SMH’s freestanding ER in North Port. At those locations and throughout its health system, SMH has embraced more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care, with teams of specially trained clinicians, geriatric appropriate equipment and supplies, and geriatric-focused education and care delivery processes that support older patients’ transitions of care from the hospital to other settings (inpatient, home, community-based care, rehabilitation, long-term care).

Connie Andersen, chief nursing officer at Sarasota Memorial, commended the health system’s entire team for their diligence and dedication to older patients.

“The Emergency Department is often seen as the front doors to the hospital,” she said. “We are committed to providing the best care to our patients, and achieving the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation is a demonstration of our commitment to providing excellent care to our older adults.”

Sarasota Memorial’s emergency departments treat older adults for everything from falls and dehydration to heart and lung problems, as well as issues related to drug interactions, fragility and cognitive decline. SMH’s specialized team includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, clinical educators, case managers and social workers all trained in geriatric conditions. In addition to providing a range of medical care, the team pays careful attention to discharge planning, connecting patients with support services and community programs.

GED accreditation is one more step SMH has taken as it continues to prioritize the care of older patients. In 2019, SMH-Sarasota received national recognition as an “Age-Friendly Health System,” joining more than 100 hospitals across the U.S. implementing best practices to enhance care for older adults. Shortly after opening in 2021, SMH-Venice also earned the “Age-Friendly” designation, which is awarded to hospitals that prioritize elements of care most important to older patients.