Tracy Balhan shared her father’s struggles with dementia at an Illinois hospital emergency room, a common issue known as ER boarding. Data shows that one in six hospital admissions from the ER in 2022 had wait times of four or more hours, with half of those patients being 65 and older. Experts warn that this problem will worsen as the U.S. population ages and hospital bed capacity remains stagnant while ER visits increase.
For older patients with dementia, long ER stays can lead to worsened conditions like delirium. National emergency physician groups have pushed for changes, but the underlying issue lies in systemic failures of the healthcare system. Limited hospital beds prioritize procedures that insurance companies pay more for, leaving older patients stranded in ERs.
Families, like Nancy Fregeau’s, struggle to find adequate care for loved ones with dementia, as resources shrink and alternatives become scarce. Balhan’s father faced challenges getting access to a behavioral care unit due to his condition. The U.S. healthcare system’s shortcomings in providing dignified care to elderly patients highlight the need for systemic change to address ER boarding and better support older adults with dementia.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
