Programs reduce avoidable emergency visits
June 29, 2010
Keeping seniors healthy and independent
For some Alberta seniors, a visit to emergency can be the first step in making changes that prevent avoidable return emergency visits and help them stay safe, healthy and independent for as long as possible.
Seniors represent about 10 per cent of Alberta’s population, yet account for up to 20 per cent of all emergency department visits.
Alberta Health Services is reducing avoidable emergency visits by seniors and, in the process, improving access to emergency for everyone.The organization’s integrated seniors strategy makes this possible.
Emergency departments in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge and St. Albert employ specially trained care co-ordinators who assess elderly patients to determine if they need community supports, including home care services.
They provide the link between hospital and community care, and help seniors make necessary adjustments in their routines, medications and/or living environment to help prevent avoidable emergency visits.
Other community initiatives, like adult day programs, aim to catch problems early before seniors end up in hospital.
Many adult day programs provide seniors an opportunity to be monitored by a team of health professionals. A recent study of emergency department visits by seniors after their enrolment in adult day programs showed a substantial drop in emergency visits: 30 per cent after six months (in Edmonton’s Choice program) and 65 per cent after two years (in Calgary’s C3 program).
>> Read more about our Action On: Emergency initiatives.
