Caring for Older Adults in the Radiology Department. Are You Prepared?

Elders are the fastest growing segment of our population. In fact, we are in the middle of a longevity revolution. They account for 50% of hospital days and fill 60–70% of hospital beds; in addition, they make up 70% of homecare patients and 90% of nursing home residents. The numbers and percentages of older adults are continuing to rise; they are now the core business of health care, using the majority of health care services. Older adults are not the same as younger adults, and the age-related changes that are present will affect the care provided. To provide compassionate, quality care, health care professionals need to be aware of the changes associated with aging. In fact, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations now requires that health care staff demonstrate age-specific competencies. This article provides an overview of normal age-related changes and strategies for caring for older adults in radiology departments, or “Clinical Alerts.”