Broward Health is committed to providing quality care to all those we serve. To fulfill that mission, Broward Health and its hospitals are continually identifying population trends and analyzing the needs of our community. One example of addressing the needs of our community can be found at Broward Health Imperial Point, where more than 50 percent of the inpatient admissions are seniors 55 and older and initiatives have been put in place to help ensure a high quality of care for the elderly.
Broward Health Imperial Point is currently establishing the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The PACE program is designed to enable hospitals to offer comprehensive medical and social services to local seniors living at home, making logistical access to care easier while increasing social activity. Patients in the PACE program will have a greater likelihood of being able to remain independent and avoid needing care in a nursing home setting, according to Medicaid.
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“Broward Health Imperial Point recognizes the value of the PACE program,” said Jonathan Watkins, CEO, Broward Health Imperial Point. “It is our goal to keep our seniors independent through greater access to healthcare made possible with the PACE program.”The PACE program is one of many ways that Broward Health Imperial Point has demonstrated its commitment to specialized care for seniors. In 2014, the hospital unveiled a new addition to the Emergency Department (ED), five rooms that were designated for senior care. The hospital recognized that a significant portion of its ED visits were from seniors, and anticipating a growing demand for senior care in coming years created the Senior ER.
“The Senior ER helps ensure that our senior patients have access to specialized equipment and care designed to meet their individual needs,” said Lola Rhodes, emergency department nurse manager, Broward Health Imperial Point.
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The Senior ER has five rooms that are larger than other ED treatment rooms. The Senior ER rooms provide ample space for the caregivers and family who often bring seniors to the ED. In addition, the space accommodates specialized equipment, such as comfort mattresses that are wider and set closer to the ground to help prevent falls.Broward Health Imperial Point recognizes that while capital improvements and programming are critical for successfully treating seniors, it’s the clinicians caring for these patients who can have the greatest impact. All members of the nursing team receive highly-specialized education on caring for the senior population through the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program. This program is designed to improve geriatric care through education on palliative care, dementia, skin care and pressure wound issues, as well as a number of other conditions prevalent in elders.
“Broward Health Imperial Point is the only Exemplar status NICHE hospital in Broward County,” said Broward Health Imperial Point Chief Nursing Officer Netonua Reyes, RN. “Upon visiting our hospital, seniors note a difference in the care they receive from our nurses. Our nurses are not only great communicators with this population, but they are also dedicated to anticipating the types of conditions and treatments our senior patients may need.”
“Broward Health Imperial Point is a leading adopter of elder care innovations,” said Watkins. “We will continue to make senior healthcare a priority to help ensure our patients have access to quality care specific to their needs. Five-star treatment is what our senior community deserves and is what we are committed to providing.”
