20 years of acute geriatrics in Grieskirchen: Strengthening independence in old age

20 years of acute geriatrics in Grieskirchen: Strengthening independence in old age

In the city of Grieskirchen, an important facility celebrates a remarkable anniversary: the department for acute geriatrics and remobilization of the Wels-Grieskirchen Clinic looks back on 20 years of successful work. Here, older people are looked after who suffer from acute diseases or whose health has deteriorated quickly. The team under the direction of Raffi Topakian emphasizes the challenges that elderly patients look at, especially if there are several previous illnesses that can affect their recovery.

"Our task is to promote the independence of the patients and thus avoid need for care," explains Topakian. The demographic developments, such as increasing life expectancy, make this philosophy all the more decisive, explains Carmen Katharina Breitwieser, the managing director of the clinic. In order to meet the increased requirements, the department was increased from the beginning of 24 to 50 beds.

growing need for geriatric medicine

The increase in beds is only a reaction to the growing need for geriatric medicine. Around 800 patients are treated in the Grieskirchner facility annually, with most of them coming to orthopedic or neurological interventions. The special calm atmosphere of the location is emphasized as an advantage because it has a positive effect on the healing of the patients. Sister Franziska Buttinger, who works in the management, emphasizes that this results in a big difference in the healing course.

"We have to prepare for outpatient structures that can be easily implemented with our staff," says Topakian and underlines the importance of the location for regional health care. At a time when the need for nursing facilities and nursing staff are constantly growing, the Grieskirchen Clinic is an important factor.

a holistic approach

The interdisciplinary collaboration ensures the best possible care for patients. The site manager Stefan Einsiedler describes the concept as a model for modern medicine. The large number of experts, from doctors to therapists, work together to not only support the patient medically but also emotionally. "It is impressive to see how older people can become mobile after strokes and that we can at the same time relieve them of home care," emphasizes Einsiedler.

The medical director of the clinic, Rainer Gattringer, emphasizes that acute geriatrics has a decisive place in the entire medical offer of the clinic. While other departments often do not have the entirety of the clinical pictures and their treatment in mind, the center enables comprehensive care that is designed for long -term health.

With the ongoing development and the increasing requirements, it can be seen that acute geriatrics in Grieskirchen is not only a place of recovery, but also a model for future -oriented geriatric medicine. For many patients, staying here is the first step back to an independent and active life.