 Meriter Hospital is committed to providing quality care to our patients aged 65
years and better.
A NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders)
Hospital since 2002, we
recognize the unique needs of our hospitalized older adults and base our
sensitive, personalized approach to nursing care on education, evidence and
experience.
The NICHE Program
NICHE is a national geriatric nursing program that provides materials and
services to subscribing health systems to stimulate and support nursing best
practice in the area of geriatrics. The vision of NICHE is for all hospitalized
adults aged 65 years old and better to receive safe, sensitive and exemplary
nursing care.
Meriter Hospital is proud to be one of more than 200 hospitals across the nation
and Canada who have implemented this program and adopted the vision.
Our Geriatric Resource Nurse Staff
Meriter Hospital has implemented the Geriatric Resource Nurse Model to improve
knowledge and expertise of the bedside nurse and nursing assistant in the care
of older adults.
These staff members are equipped with the knowledge and skill to prevent,
identify and treat common "geriatric syndromes" experienced by hospitalized
older adults, including:
- Falls
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Insomnia
- Poor Nutrition
- Skin Injuries
- Depression
- Medication Interactions and Side Effects
Meriter's Geriatric Resource Nurses and Nursing Assistants work closely with the
Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist to ensure our older adult patients are
receiving safe, exemplary care.
Questions?
If you or a loved one are hospitalized at Meriter Hospital and have questions
about nursing care specific to the older adult patient, ask to speak to your
unit's Geriatric Resource Nurses, Geriatric Resource Certified Nursing
Assistants or the Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist.
The Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist can be reached by calling Meriter's
main phone number - (608) 417-6000.
6/10/2008
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The Care You Can Expect to Receive
If you or a loved one are hospitalized at Meriter Hospital and are 65 years old
or better, you can expect to receive nursing care centered on minimizing
development of "geriatric syndromes." This may include:
- Being placed on "fall precautions"
- Participating in physical and/or occupational therapy
- Meeting with the Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Meeting with a dietary specialist
- Spending little time lying in bed during the day
- Discussing your medications with a pharmacist
- Meeting with Patient & Family Services representatives
- Participating in distraction activities, such as cards or puzzles
Meriter Preferred - A Health and Wellness Program
Meriter Preferred is a free program for people 50 years and better who live
in southcentral Wisconsin. Learn more.
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