This information aims at better understanding and preventing certain situations among seniors. The objective is to help preserve their independence.

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• Immobilization syndrome – How to counter the harmful effects of bed rest and inactivity
• Strength and balance exercices
• You CAN prevent falls!

Emergency rooms are seeing more and more elderly people. This trend will increase in the coming years at the population ages. Seniors who come to the ER often have chronic or multiple problems or present situations for which the ER is not always appropriate.  To better meet their needs, the CIUSSS de l'Estrie – CHUS emergency services is improving its approach.

Geriatric emergency rooms

A geriatric emergency room has a suitable environment, specialized equipment, and professionals trained to meet the needs of seniors. The objective is to limit unnecessary hospitalizations through the promotion of independence and home care. Geriatric emergency rooms work very closely with CLSCs, residential settings, and community resources.

The emergency rooms at Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke and Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital in Cowansville officially became geriatric emergency rooms in 2020 and 2021. Both are accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). They were the first geriatric emergency rooms in Quebec and are examples for the entire province. 

Within the next few years, the CIUSSS de l'Estrie – CHUS intends to adapt its eight emergency rooms to the needs of seniors.

Interested in learning more? 

(in French only)

• Description of a geriatric emergency room
• Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke's ACEP-accredited emergency room
• BMP's ACEP-accredited emergency room 
• Prix Hippocrate for the geriatric emergency room at the Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke 2021
• OIIQ regional winners (Estrie section)

Video: Emergency room adapted to the elderly | Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke's emergency room