Published on October 26, 2010

Methodist Opens Emergency Center for Seniors

Peoria, Illinois -- Methodist Medical Center has opened one of the first Emergency Centers for Seniors in the nation. The new center is designed to provide special care for non-acute geriatric patients who are in need of emergency medical services for conditions including pneumonia, flu and respiratory illnesses, abdominal pain, injuries from falls, urinary tract infections, congestive heart failure, diabetic issues and others.

Tony Howard, Director of Emergency Services at Methodist, says, “Older adults are the largest users of emergency room services and many times have multiple health problems, hearing or vision difficulties or lack of mobility. All these things can add to an already stressful visit to the emergency department.”

Located in the Methodist Emergency Department, the “center within a center” offers specialized care for older adults including specially trained staff, services that focus on the needs of seniors, and amenities to make an Emergency stay more comfortable.

All patients who enter the Center undergo a special geriatric assessment to determine if there are other conditions affecting them that need attention, and to provide the best follow-up care. Methodist geriatricians—physicians specializing in the care of older adults—serve as advisors to the Methodist Emergency Center for Seniors and are available for consultation. Patients discharged from the Center also receive follow-up calls to answer questions and check on progress.

Howard says, “Many seniors end up in the emergency department alone. That’s especially true for those who arrive by ambulance or come from a nursing home.” As a result, Methodist has developed the Dot Squad, a special team of volunteer staff who serve as advocates and emotional support for seniors who come to Methodist alone. The Methodist Dot Squad, part of the Emergency Center for Seniors, provides volunteers who will assist in contacting friends or relatives, ask the doctor questions the patient might not think of, or even just hold the hand of an elderly patient receiving medical care.

In addition to the Dot Squad, the Methodist Emergency Center for Seniors includes free valet parking from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., warm blankets, senior-ready speakers and television remotes, and individual room thermostats, among others. “It’s all about keeping seniors healthy.” explains Howard. “Our goal is to catch problems before they develop so seniors feel comfortable and safe while they’re in our care. That’s what Methodist Emergency Center for Seniors is all about.”