In March of 2018, AHA hosted a community conversation to learn more about the issue of seniors being stranded in hospital emergency departments, because a safe, appropriate discharge for them is not available. We have learned from research literature that this is sometimes called “granny dumping,” and is a problem being faced by hospitals across the US and Colorado.

It is more likely to happen with seniors – usually vulnerable seniors with dementia or brain injury. The patients arrive at the emergency room from a nursing facility, an ambulance or police car, or are left by a family member or friend. According to interviews with staff from Aurora’s hospitals, almost every week they experience a senior in this situation.

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