Queensway Carleton Hospital is moving ahead to improve care for acutely ill older adults. The Hospital serves one of the fastest growing and aging populations in Canada, with 14% of its community over the age of 65, and this is expected to grow by 3.5% per year, doubling over the next 20 years. Queensway Carleton Hospital’s Vision to provide exemplary care continues as it pursues innovative programs and practices. QCH, recognized as a leader in providing care to older patients, is embarking on a new program: the Myers Automotive Acute Care of the Elderly Unit or ACE Unit. This 34 bed, state-of-the-art unit will be the first of its kind in Eastern Ontario and only the second such unit in Ontario.
Building on its reputation of being a leader in geriatric care, QCH will ensure that the ACE model is built on the foundation of the latest research and best practices. Patient and family-centered care is the focus of the interdisciplinary health care team members who will work collaboratively to provide specialized care using geriatric knowledge and principles. ACE patients will usually have at least one other chronic disease in addition to their presenting condition making them more vulnerable to the hazards of hospitalization. The ACE approach has been shown to reduce and avoid these complications.
ACE patients will better maintain their level of function, have a shorter hospital stay and be better able to return home and stay at home. Discharge planning will begin immediately, promoting a smooth transition home with the required support in place. The specially designed physical environment will Geriatric healthcare team members with patient and family will promote early mobilization and family participation including visiting lounges, a central dining area and other common areas supporting care conferences, patient, family and staff education. The Myers Automotive ACE Unit will have the ability to provide specialized care for patients requiring a higher level and intensity of care than is typically available on a regular hospital unit but not require the sophisticated technology of the Intensive Care Unit and yet still benefit from the ACE philosophy and collaborative model.
The best care for our frail and vulnerable seniors translates into QCH’s Myers Automotive ACE Unit providing evidenced based care in an elder friendly environment, acknowledging and respecting the older patients’ unique needs while supporting patients and families in an aging community.
