Danbury Hospital earns geriatric emergency department accreditation for its excellent care of older adults

Northwell Health’s Danbury Hospital has earned Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national recognition that shows the hospital’s emergency department is equipped to meet the unique needs of older adults.

Older patients often face more complex medical concerns in the emergency setting, including higher risks related to falls, delirium, dementia, medication interactions and other age-related vulnerabilities. Achieving this designation reinforces that patients and families can count on emergency care designed to be safer, coordinated and responsive to the needs of aging adults.

“Older adults deserve emergency care that considers the complexities that can come with aging. Danbury Hospital’s emergency medicine team responds with expertise, compassion and the right resources from the moment they arrive,” says William Begg, MD, chair of emergency medicine at Danbury Hospital. “This accreditation reflects the work our team has done to strengthen the way we support older patients and ensure they receive thoughtful, high-quality emergency care.”

“This accreditation shows our emergency department is committed to clinical excellence and processes that better support older adults and their families during what can be very stressful moments,” says Erika Setzer, MSN, director of patient care services, emergency department and behavioral health at Danbury Hospital. “From staff education to age-appropriate equipment and care planning, this recognition reflects a team effort focused on giving older patients the specialized care they need.”

Danbury Hospital strengthens emergency care for older adults

This voluntary accreditation program gives emergency medicine care teams a framework for improving geriatric care. Danbury Hospital earned the accreditation by demonstrating its ability to provide age-friendly care processes, interdisciplinary education, and equipment and supplies appropriate for older patients.

Geriatric emergency department accreditation matters as the community ages

As Connecticut’s population ages, the need for emergency care designed for older adults continues to grow. According to the 2025 Connecticut Healthy Aging Data Report, 25% of Connecticut residents are 60 or older, and the state’s older population has grown by 62,000 since the 2021 report. The report also found that Connecticut has the highest rates in New England of several conditions that can affect older adults, including hip fracture, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. For patients and families, accreditation offers reassurance that an emergency department is building care around the needs of this population.