Did you know that Humber River Hospital has the busiest Emergency Department in the GTA? Winter is on its way and we know we will see a spike in patients, including the number of seniors in our Apotex Emergency Department.

Meet Gracious, a nurse on Humber’s Geriatric Emergency Management team. GEM nurses work as consultants and advocates on behalf of the senior patients who come in through the ER.

Needing to go to the Hospital can be stressful for senior patients and their families.

Meet Gracious, a nurse on Humber’s Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) team. Geriatric Emergency Management uses evidence-based models to provide the best care for senior patients. Every year, nurses like Gracious attend conferences to stay on top of the current research.

GEM nurses work as consultants and advocates on behalf of the senior patients who come in through the ER. They also help doctors assess if and when these patients can go home safely, and connect them to community resources (such as homecare and respite care) and to provide appropriate specialist updates and referrals.

“Working with seniors, you go slowly, you take your time, you walk them through what’s happening and make sure they understand,” says Gracious. “I see patients over 75 and I work with them and their families to help them navigate the Hospital, and also help with support and resources for when they are discharged and back at home.”

You can help provide extra love and care to patients and families in the Apotex Emergency Department and across the Hospital right now and over the holiday season by making a donation.

Here are some of the items that Gracious and her team need to ensure senior patients receive quality care this winter:

Interpreter on Wheels $1,600
Humber is proud to be one of the most diverse hospitals in Canada, serving all cultural and ethnic groups. We can provide interpretation for over 175 languages, including sign language. This device is a tablet (like an iPad) on wheels that can be brought anywhere in the Hospital where interpretation is needed.

Walkers (wheels and ski) $200
You’re probably already familiar with walkers with wheels, and the walker with skis is terrific for seniors with joint issues—and it helps prevent falls too.

Pocket Talkers $170
Pocket talkers allow patients and staff to amplify their voices to make it easier to communicate.

Montessori Dementia Kit $30
This is an engaging and fun kit containing games, crafts and activities that help stimulate activity and interaction.

Grip Socks $15 per pair
These comfortable and cozy slippers keep our seniors warm, but they also have rubber soles to help prevents slips and falls.

“It’s our job and responsibility to listen to our patients and their families, and take time to understand what can be complex and overlapping issues or conditions,” says Gracious. “By doing so, we can decide on the best plan of care together. Most important of all, we work to see them for who they are, not just see them for their age.”