We describe the evolution of an Aged Care Unit (ACU) in a S00 bed teaching hospital in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Demographic data on overall hospital usage by older patients in the ACT is presented to give a perspective on the role of the ACU, showing ACU patients to be older, sicker and more complex. A survey of patients' expectations of hospitalisation showed that regaining independence and returning home were their main priorities. Achieving these goals is an important indicator of quality care.
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Davis et al. (1999) studied this question.
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