Innovation Pilot Study: Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) Unit—Promoting Patient-Centric Care

PURPOSE: Older patients, defined as age 65 years or older, comprise more than 40% of admissions to the acute care environment. These patients' needs are different; cognitive impairment, chronic health issues, caregiver burden, and maintenance of functional level present challenges to healthcare organizations when caring for this population on a general medical-surgical unit. BACKGROUND: A pilot project, the creation of a six-bed Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) unit situated within a 33-bed medical-surgical unit, was established to meet the unique needs of this older patient population. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes including falls, pressure ulcers, functional level (the latter as measured by the KATZ), and length of stay were examined and demonstrated marked improvement compared to similar patients outside the ACE unit. Older patients need individualized care planning by staff competent in elder care and a specialty unit to address their specific needs.