AARP has recognized its collaboration with the Geriatric Emergency Department Collaborative (GEDC) to train emergency department personnel to recognize dementia symptoms. In AARP Is Working to Root Out Health Care Ageism, Megan O’Reilly, AARP’s Vice President of Health and Family, points to the partnership as part of AARP’s broader effort to improve care for older adults.
Why Brain Health Matters in the ED
Older adults with dementia or delirium face serious risks in the emergency department, and these conditions are often missed. Recognizing them early can prevent harm, reduce readmissions, and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
Educational Videos for Clinicians and Caregivers
To help close that gap, GEDC and AARP created two educational videos for emergency clinicians, patients, and family caregivers:
- Dementia in the ED: Providing Better Care for Older ED Patients
- Delirium in the Emergency Department: Serious, Costly, and Potentially Deadly
The videos offer practical, low-cost steps ED teams can take to protect older patients’ brain health, such as involving caregivers, asking the right questions, and looking beyond the obvious diagnosis.
A Shared Commitment to Older Adults
“Older adults with dementia and delirium are some of the most vulnerable patients we see in the emergency department, and too often their needs go unrecognized. Partnering with AARP helps us put practical tools in the hands of ED teams and caregivers so every older adult gets the careful, dignified care they deserve.“
— Kevin Biese, MD, MAT, Co-PI, Geriatric Emergency Department Collaborative
GEDC is grateful to AARP for its continued partnership and shared commitment to making sure older adults receive dignified, high-quality emergency care.