Geriatric Emergency Services

Nationally Recognized Care

The La Jolla ER is home to California's first accredited geriatric emergency department. The American College of Emergency Physicians designated the Gary and Mary West Emergency Department as a Level 1 Gold accreditation — the highest and most comprehensive level.

Our Hillcrest ER received a Level 2 Silver accreditation.

Among the Top in Nation

Depend on us for exceptional care. Our senior medicine program is ranked among the nation's top 25 programs for geriatric care by U.S. News & World Report, which also ranks us as the #1 health system in San Diego. As the region's only academic health system, we apply the latest advancements in research, education and clinical medicine to our care for you.

Geriatric ER Care Team and Expertise

All older adults who arrive here are treated by a team with special training in geriatric medicine, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists and social workers. We have expertise in treating issues such as fall risks, mobility challenges, cognitive and memory problems, and medication interactions.

If you need follow-up care, our experts will call in specialty care or refer you to a specialty care clinic. We work in tandem to offer you and your family a nurturing and safe environment.

Our team also tries to lower hospital admissions and readmissions for seniors. When you arrive, our emergency providers go beyond treating the immediate complaint. You can get screened for additional issues, and we take the time to work with you and your caregivers to ensure a smooth transition from the ER to hospital admission or discharge to home.

Those who do need additional treatment may qualify for our Acute Care at Home (ACH) program, which enables you to get medical care at home instead of hospitalization. Your care team will help you decide what's right for you.

Special Features Tailored for Seniors

Our specially designed, state-of-the-art geriatric emergency unit is in a separate space in our La Jolla ER. It has exam rooms and observation bays that are designed to provide improved acoustics, safety and comfort for you. The features include:

• Nursing station visible from all patient rooms
• Patient toilets situated adjacent to staff work areas to better monitor patient use and needs
• Brighter lights as well as large, clear signage and artwork to make it easy to find the way around
• Variable room lighting and window treatments that orient patients to the actual time of day
• Color-contrasting walls, floors and furniture to lessen visual confusion and lower fall risk
• Nonslip flooring to protect against falls
• Sound-absorbing walls to minimize ambient noise
• Quieter alarms, pagers and other equipment to keep noise levels low and minimize potential anxiety in patients
• Hearing-aid, visual-assist and mobility devices
• Thick mattresses to enhance comfort and reduce pressure and friction on the body
• Recliners to help patients change position, as needed, and improve mobility
• Private lounge for loved ones and caregivers to relax