13 / 16
If
you ever went to the emergency
department (ED) as a kid, chances are
mom or dad was by your side. Now
that they’re older, you may find yourself
doing the same for your parents —
especially in the case of a fall.
“For older adults, a fall is always
an emergency, so it’s best to call 911,”
says Danny Holland, DO, orthopedic
trauma surgeon at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center. “There might be
neurologic or spine injuries, and
emergency medical services can
transport your loved one to the
hospital appropriately.”
Older patients at Methodist Dallas
receive treatment through our G60
program. Designed to care for older
adults, G60 has a track record of
remarkable patient recoveries.
“We take an absolutely comprehensive
team approach from a variety of
specialists,” Dr. Holland says. “We
want to guide our patients from their
arrival through long after discharge to
make sure their physical, mental, and
emotional needs are being met.”
Before an emergency ever occurs,
however, there are some ways you
can be prepared:
w
w
Take notes.
Have a ready-to-go
written list of your parents’ medical
histories, including allergies, surgeries,
and medications.
w
w
Have the talk.
Though it can be
difficult, it’s wise to discuss a living
will with your parents. In case they
become unable to communicate, it can
help ensure that their wishes regarding
medical care are carried out.
w
w
Be observant.
“Caregivers know their
parents best and can help us physicians
ascertain if certain symptoms or behaviors
are normal for their parents or are new
developments,” Dr. Holland says.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
•
❁
Winter 2014 – 2015
13
Taking your parent to the ED
FAMILY MATTERS
“We want to guide our patients from their arrival through long
after discharge to make sure their physical, mental, and emotional
needs are being met.”
— Danny Holland, DO
SAFE FOR SENIORS
Methodist Dallas’ G60 program is geared toward making
hospital stays for seniors safer and more successful. Learn
more at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/DallasEmergency .◂
SENIOR CARE