Geriatric Emergency Medicine Initiative (GEMI)

Looking for Support?

In the event of a true emergency, please call 911. For questions about Geriatric Emergency Medicine, please contact Sarah Sanders via email or by dialing 203.276.7873.

Being in the Emergency Department can be overwhelming, even more so for people 65 and older. That’s why you can rely on Stamford Health’s Geriatric Emergency Medicine Initiative (GEMI) program. GEMI brings together a skilled team of geriatric liaisons who are registered nurses experienced in meeting the specific needs of older adults and their caregivers.

Geriatric Liaisons Focused on You

Our dedicated and specially trained registered nurses act as geriatric liaisons and are dedicated to assessing patients 65 and older who enter the Emergency Department. They will evaluate for:

• Any signs of confusion
• Risk for falling and accidents, as well as illnesses
• Concerns about your living and home situation
• Emotional wellbeing
• Medications you may need and/or are currently taking

A Team Approach to Your Care

Your geriatric liaison will keep you and your care team in communication every step of the way. It’s our goal to prepare you for a safe departure from the hospital. We strive to:

• Improve your health by assessing and addressing your specific needs
• Coordinate your care by connecting directly with your medical team which
  may include your primary care provider, social worker or case
  manager, pharmacist, physical therapist and geriatrician
• Develop a personalized plan that helps you avoid additional visits to the
  Emergency Department

The GEMI team assesses patients between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the Emergency Department at Stamford Hospital on the Bennett Medical Center Campus. At all other times, our registered nurses assess patients.

Geriatric Medicine Specialists

Stamford Health also offers a comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Center to help you maintain the highest quality of life. The center’s geriatric medicine physicians and nurse practitioner will evaluate your physical, cognitive and mental health and address conditions such as:

• Balance/gait issues
• Frailty
• Depression
• Memory loss

The team will work closely with you and your family or caregiver to provide lifestyle recommendations and management of age-related conditions. Safety assessments of the home can be scheduled for homebound older adults.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment at either the Stamford or Greenwich location,
call 203.276.2516.