at St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital

Our ACE (Acute Care for Elders) program is located on the main floor of the hospital on our Medical-Surgical Unit. Patients in the ACE program receive specialized care to address the inevitable changes brought about by the normal aging process. This care includes special attention to the physical, social and spiritual health of our patients. The ACE model provides an excellent framework for addressing special needs of older adults. Mobility, independent functioning, comfort level, mental status, treatment of depression, skin health, nutrition and response to treatment are all maximized through nurse-initiated guidelines.

Experienced Providers: The ACE Team

Our treatment team is designed to address all of the needs of the geriatric patient. This includes a geriatrician, a primary care nurse, social worker, pharmacist, pastoral care minister, case nurses whom coordinate discharge planning, dietician and a physical therapist in coordination with the primary care physician. The patient and family are also included in care planning. The interdisciplinary care provided on the ACE program is designed to foster maximal independent functioning of our patients.

Therapeutic and Caring Environment

Our goal is to adapt the total environment to meet the needs of older adults. We have prepared a special environment for our ACE program patients that range from enhanced lighting to visual supports on walls and floors along with prominent clocks and calendars. Nutritional snacks are available 24 hours a day and medications are planned at reasonable hours to minimize nighttime interruptions.

For more information about the ACE program at St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital, call 734-429-1625.