Geriatric Program
Specialized Care for the Elderly
The Geriatric program at Temiskaming Hospital (TH) provides specialized care for the elderly. Learn more about the programs and services offered below.
Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM) Program
The Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM) Program started at the Temiskaming Hospital in January 2024. The program includes a Registered Nurse along with strong support from social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapist when needed. The program supports seeing patients in the Emergency Department (ED) and includes follow-up phone visits after they go home to ensure they understand instructions and decide whether they need additional support to function better in the community.
The goal of GEM is to provide expert clinical resources and targeted comprehensive geriatric assessments to help identify patient needs and concerns, which then leads to education and referrals to community services and resources.
GEM nurses help reduce hospitalizations, minimize repeat visits to the ED, help maintain functional abilities, and connect seniors with community supports to return home safely. In addition, the program provides intervention and prevention strategies that help maintain a senior’s level of independence and wellbeing at home.
To contact Temiskaming Hospital’s GEM Nurse: 705-647-1088 ext 2405
Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Program
Temiskaming Hospital has a full time nurse who works as a Clinical Behavior Response Specialist under guidance from Behavioural Support Ontario (BSO). The goal of the BSO program is to help improve care for older adults in Ontario who are living with, or are at risk for, responsive behaviours or personal expressions associated with dementia, complex mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions.
Temiskaming Hospital’s BSO nurse offers behavioural assessments and treatment, transitional care planning, education, support and links to specialized care.
To contact Temiskaming Hospital’s BSO Nurse: 705-647-1088 ext 2465
Geriatric Inpatient Consultation Service (GICS) Program
The mission of the Geriatric Inpatient Consultation Service (GICS) is to provide meaningful and individualized recommendations for older adults admitted to Temiskaming Hospital with multi-factorial needs. This can include (but is not restricted to) acute medical, surgical, and psycho-social issues with the goal to improve independence and streamline the transition to the community. The team collaborates with patients, families, and caregivers to complete comprehensive geriatric assessments and facilitate evidenced-based interventions to provide solutions to ongoing barriers that may be preventing older adults from returning to the community.
Referral Requirements:
Older adults, 65 years of age or older, admitted to Temiskaming Hospital, experiencing acute medical or psycho-social disruptions that create barriers to transitioning back to the community. Such experiences can include: functional decline, onset of delirium, change in cognition, or progression of one or more complex geriatric syndromes.
Who Can Refer?
Acute care Physicians or Nurse Practitioners
Our Team Includes:
Care of the Elderly Physician
Geriatric Assessor
Care Coordinator
Two Reactivation Assistants
The team consults with not only patients’ individual MRPs (Most Responsible Provider) but the hospital PT (physiotherapist), OT (occupational therapist), GEM nurse (Geriatric Emergency Medicine Nurse), and BSO (Behavioural Supports Ontario) workers as needed.
Questions?
Please contact our Geriatric Assessor at 705-647-1088 ext 2322