What Geriatric Services Does La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Offer?

La Palma Intercommunity Hospital offers geriatric-focused care through three main channels: a Geriatric-Accredited Emergency Department, behavioral health services specializing in geropsychiatry, and specialized emergency care for seniors. The hospital also participates in the Medicare Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, which covers hip and knee replacement procedures common among older adults. These services are designed for older patients who need emergency care, mental health support, or joint replacement surgery in a setting that accounts for age-related needs.

Geriatric-Accredited Emergency Department

The hospital's Emergency Department holds a geriatric accreditation, recognized for excellence in specialized care for older adults. This means the ER is set up to address conditions and sensitivities that affect seniors differently than younger patients — for example, how medications interact, how symptoms present, or how stress affects an older person.

If you're bringing an older adult to the ER, you can use FastTrackCare to reserve an arrival time and wait at home until you're scheduled to be seen. You can reserve online, by phone, or by text:

• Text 'ER Now' to (714) 515-7086
• Or scan the QR code on the hospital's FastTrackCare page for quick access

This is useful when an older patient is uncomfortable waiting in a lobby for long periods.

Behavioral Health Services (Geropsychiatry)

The hospital offers a comprehensive behavioral health service specializing in geropsychiatry — mental health care designed for older adults. According to the hospital, when stress becomes too severe for an older person to manage, it usually appears as a change in that person's behavior. The geropsychiatry service is built around recognizing and treating those behavioral changes.

This service is relevant if you notice sudden shifts in an older family member's mood, behavior, or mental state that seem tied to stress or an underlying condition.

Emergency Care Specializing in Senior Care

Beyond the accreditation itself, the hospital frames its emergency care as "specializing in senior care." The ER operates 24 hours a day, every day, so geriatric emergency services are available at any time.

Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR)

La Palma Intercommunity Hospital participates in the Medicare Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model. This initiative promotes quality and financial accountability for lower-extremity joint replacement (LEJR) procedures — commonly known as hip and knee replacements.

Since hip and knee replacements are frequently needed by older adults, this program is directly relevant to geriatric patients. The hospital describes the joint replacement care environment as safe, comfortable, and caring.

Quick Reference

How to Access These Services

• Emergency (including geriatric ER): Walk in, or reserve a time through FastTrackCare by texting 'ER Now' to (714) 515-7086.
• Behavioral health / geropsychiatry: Contact the hospital directly to learn about intake and availability.
• Joint replacement (CJR): Ask your physician about referral options and whether you qualify under the Medicare CJR model.
• Patient portal: MyChart is available for managing your care and opting into text message updates.

For billing questions, the hospital provides a "Pay My Bill" link through MyChart and a Financial Assistance page for price transparency.