The Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit
The ACE Unit (Acute Care for the Elderly) is an inpatient unit at GBMC, dedicated to the care of geriatric patients. The clinical staff is specifically trained to meet the healthcare needs of elderly patients. Specialized protocols and discharge plans have been developed to assure the appropriate care of our patients.
It is a unique setting at GBMC (Unit 35) that is designed to address not only the medical needs of the elderly but the functional and social needs as well. Each patient room is equipped with a special bed that can be lowered to a level allowing ease of access, and decreasing the risk associated with falls. The interdisciplinary team caring for each patient is made up of representatives from multiple disciplines, working together to meet the special needs of the hospitalized elderly patient.
Our ACE Unit environment better suits the needs of compromised aging individuals. Because of our setting and specially trained interdisciplinary team, a patient can expect:
- A prepared environment
- Patient-centered care
- Appropriate planning for discharge
- Medical Care Review
The ACE unit provides an environment in which the care providers are specially trained in the care of the elderly. Care providers include:
- A Team of Geriatricians, including:
> Dr Anthony Riley, Medical Director for Senior Services
> Dr. Aaron Charles, Medical Director for the ACE unit
- A Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, who coordinates the communication and process of the interdisciplinary team.
- Nurses, who are involved in the day-to-day care of elderly patients, and receive specific training to address issues the elderly face when hospitalized.
- Pharmacists, Dieticians, Care Managers and Rehabilitation Specialists are all active participants in daily rounds by the interdisciplinary team.
- Nursing support technicians, secretaries, housekeepers and volunteers all provide support to the care of the patients
To be eligible for admission to the ACE Unit at GBMC, the patient must be at least 65 years old, and have an acute condition requiring hospitalization. Patients most at risk for geriatric syndromes such as delirium, dementia, depression, incontinence, falls or poly pharmacy are all candidates for admission to the ACE unit.
Greater Outcomes is a hospital-wide program designed for geriatric patients to improve function and prevent cognitive/physical decline in the elderly while at GBMC. Learn more about this program.
For a direct referral, please call Linda Henderson, Program Coordinator at 443-849-3529.
