The idea? ERs specifically designed for older patients, staffed by doctors, nurses and aides with geriatric experience.

Seniors have lower tolerance for certain medications, are less noise tolerant and need quieter rooms, respond well to lights that can be dimmed, warm blankets, non-slip floors.

Incoming patients would be given the usual workups, but with a focus on specific risk factors for the elderly that general practitioners might overlook (for instance, dizziness could have a far different etiology in an elderly person).

And ideally, a social worker or nurse specializing in geriatric clients would follow up on discharge, immediately after the ER visit (did the patient buy the meds, know how to take them, is there a support network), and once again a couple of months later (still taking meds, recurrence of symptoms, etc.).

With the Baby Boomer generation now in its 60's, the time has come.