INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Tahoe Forest Health System announced that Incline Village Community Hospital’s Emergency Department has achieved Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
The bronze-level accreditation recognizes emergency departments that have established practices and resources designed to support the care of older adults. Incline Village Community Hospital’s achievement reflects the collaboration and dedication of its interdisciplinary team and its efforts to continually strengthen emergency care for the community.
“Older adults can face distinct challenges in an emergency setting, and our team is committed to making sure their care reflects those needs,” said Anna Roth, President and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. “We are proud of the Incline Village Community Hospital team for earning this accreditation and for the expertise and compassion they bring to caring for our older patients and their families.”
As part of its work to strengthen geriatric emergency care, the IVCH Emergency Department has implemented practices focused on safety, comfort, mobility and independence, including reducing unnecessary urinary catheter and NPO use, providing oral care and food and fluids when appropriate, and emphasizing non-pharmacologic approaches such as reorientation, family presence, hydration, nutrition and verbal de-escalation before restraints are considered.
The team also incorporates medication reconciliation to reduce medication-related complications and support safer transitions of care, while dedicated patient resources, including a refrigerator stocked with drinks, snacks and meal trays, as well as increased availability of walkers and quad canes, help improve the patient experience during the ED visit and at discharge.
“Geriatric emergency care is about more than treating the immediate medical issue, it’s about understanding what an older adult needs to feel safe, comfortable and supported,” said Natasha Lukasiewich, Director of Operations at IVCH. “These practices help us provide a more thoughtful experience for our patients and support them not only during their ED visit, but as they transition back home.”
The GEDA Board of Governors will provide feedback to Incline Village Community Hospital to support continued development of its geriatric emergency care program and inform areas of focus for reaccreditation in three years.
