Stranded in the ER, seniors await hospital care and suffer avoidable harm

Older adults often face prolonged ER stays, known as ER boarding, due to staff shortages and lack of hospital beds.

Physicians describe ER boarding as a public health crisis, with seniors particularly vulnerable and making up a significant portion of affected patients.

Boarding before hospital care affects around 10% of ER patients, with 30% to 50% being older adults, highlighting the severity of the issue for seniors.

ER staff shortages and bed availability contribute to the crisis of ER boarding, exacerbating the challenge for aging patients in need of immediate care.

Read at www.mercurynews.com