New Intermountain Health Program Focuses on Serving Elderly Patients

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital caregivers are enhancing the strength of elderly patients through a new hospital unit known as Acute Care for the Elderly, or ACE.

The focus of a new unit at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital called Acute Care for the Elderly, or ACE, in Lafayette, Colo., is on elderly patients.
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to rise by 47% by 2050. Programs like ACE aim to aid individuals in regaining their health during and after their hospital stay.
Good Samaritan Hospital caters to a large population of older adults. Mary Cisneros, RN, nurse manager for the new program, stated, “We saw this as a great opportunity to serve that population and the surrounding community. It sets us apart since it’s not offered at other nearby hospitals.”
The unit comprises 30 patient rooms designed for individuals over 70. Patients can be seen engaging in activities like arts and crafts, playing the piano, or solving puzzles twice a day. The objective is to promote activity and engagement amongst patients rather than having them passively stay alone in their rooms.
The program is structured around several key elements and roles.
To encourage more movement, the hospital has introduced a mobility tech role. These individuals, who work seven days a week, have additional training to assist elderly patients with walking and other therapeutic activities.
Another aspect is the implementation of interdisciplinary rounds, where various caregivers convene daily to discuss all aspects of patient care. Cisneros noted, “We engage different disciplines to ensure we meet all the patient’s needs promptly.”
The interdisciplinary team includes representatives from pharmacy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, case management, dietary, and nursing. Cisneros and two colleagues are pursuing certification in a course called “Improving Care of Health System Elders,” which they will share with all staff members working with patients in this unit.
The unit also offers activities twice daily through Good Samaritan’s volunteer program.
Cisneros emphasized, “This is another opportunity to engage patients mentally and socially and promote increased mobility.”
Patients in this unit still require inpatient hospital care, and they are assessed by a physician daily. The physician determines when the patients are medically fit for discharge.
Cisneros hopes to keep patients engaged and active until they are ready to leave.
Providing these services is expected to reduce hospital stays and enhance the likelihood of patients returning home after their hospital visit rather than being transferred to a long-term care facility. Similar programs have also proven to lower healthcare costs and decrease readmission rates.
While focusing on elderly care entails an investment of time and resources for the hospital, Cisneros assured that patients would not face additional charges. The hospital views this as a necessary step to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
The program is expected to accommodate an average of 15 to 20 patients, following admission guidelines for individuals aged 70 and above requiring medical unit level care. Patients in need of intensive care or monitoring for a heart condition are ineligible.
Cisneros and fellow caregivers held an open house to introduce the program and showcase room enhancements. The rooms have been made “elder-friendly,” with additions like large digital clocks and essential equipment for geriatric patients.
The team has also gathered supplies such as arts and crafts materials, puzzles, knitting and crocheting supplies, coloring books, and a portable piano for patients in the unit.