Care for Traumatic Injuries in Older Adults

Whether you suffer a nasty fall or experience another type of traumatic accident, your age can impact your ability to recover. At Lehigh Valley Health Network, we understand this. We are the region's largest Level I Trauma Center and have a unique geriatric trauma program that delivers leading-edge care for older adults by using a back-to-the-basics team approach.

Using the Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training model from the American Geriatrics Society John A. Hartford Foundation, a team of experts meets weekly to discuss each patient’s care and the unique needs of geriatric patients. They evaluate chronic conditions you may have and how they could affect your care.

The team can include a physician with education in the health concerns of older people, a trauma surgeon, trauma team physician assistants, pharmacist, case manager and physical/occupational therapist. Nutrition services and pastoral care are also called in as needed. This is in addition to routine consultation with the patient’s primary care physician or geriatrician. We use this approach, which is unique to trauma centers nationwide, to ensure the best possible care for you or your loved one.

Before a traumatic injury occurs, it’s important to think about where you or your loved one want to receive care. Know that U.S. News & World Report has recognized Lehigh Valley Hospital as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in geriatrics and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg as "high-performing" in geriatrics. Educate yourself, make your choice now and let your loved ones know.

To learn more about how we care for traumatic injuries in the hospital, click here.

This page last updated 7/21/11 10:33 AM