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Updated: May 2, 2026
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
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ED use by older adults attempting suicide
Mary W Carter1, Megan R Reymann2
1College of Health Professions, Towson University, Towson, MD.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 18, 2014
Summary
Older adults aged 65+ made over 22,000 emergency department visits for self-harm and suicide-related injuries, with nearly half involving substance use. This highlights a critical need for integrated mental health services for seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Self-harm and suicide-related injuries are significant concerns among older adults.
- Emergency departments (EDs) are frequent points of contact for this demographic.
- Understanding ED visit patterns is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the patterns of emergency department (ED) visits by older adults (65 years and older) for self-harm and suicide-related injuries.
- To quantify the incidence and characteristics of these ED visits.
- To estimate the associated healthcare costs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS).
- Calculation of nationally representative estimates using sampling weights.
- Utilization of US Census Bureau data for population estimates.
Main Results:
- An estimated 22,444 ED visits by adults aged 65+ for suicide-related injuries.
- An estimated population rate of 63 ED visits per 100,000 older adults.
- Nearly 50% of visits involved substance use, with total charges exceeding $353.9 million.
Conclusions:
- There is a pressing need for enhanced suicide screening and support services within EDs.
- Integration of mental health services for at-risk older adults is essential.
- Continuity of care, including pre-ED and post-ED mental health support, is vital.
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