The Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Advanced Practice Nurse provides targeted/comprehensive assessments for at risk older adults presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).

• Client-centered care is the priority.
• Recommendations and treatment plans are developed with the client and caregiver to assist with discharge from the ED.
• Alternatives to living alone, management strategies for activities of daily living, access to meals, and education/support for medical conditions are just some of the areas that the GEM Nurse can assist in to help ensure healthy outcomes for older adults in the community.
• Inter-professional team members in the ED may also be available to assess the client including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or social workers.
• Ontario Health atHome (formally Home and Community Care) case managers are often engaged to assess client needs before discharge.
• When coming to the ED, clients should bring their medications or a complete list, including herbal compounds or over the counter medications. They should have a plan for a ride home as most visits do not require admission to hospital.

This is an Out-of-Home Service