Transforming Care: How Intermountain Health’s New Program Prioritizes Elderly Patients

At Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, a new unit called Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) is making a difference for older patients. This initiative aims to keep elderly folks active and engaged during their hospital stay. As Ezra Cornell once said, “Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.” This philosophy underpins the ACE program.

By 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to rise by 47%. With such a growing population, facilities like ACE are crucial. “We wanted to serve the elderly community in our area,” says Mary Cisneros, RN and nurse manager of the ACE program. “This unit sets us apart from other hospitals.”

At ACE, there are 30 patient rooms specially designed for those over 70. Patients take part in various activities like arts and crafts, piano playing, and puzzles, encouraging movement and social interaction instead of solitary confinement in their rooms.

The program includes innovative roles like mobility techs—trained assistants who help patients with walking and therapeutic activities daily. This hands-on approach encourages patients to stay active. Additionally, caregivers hold daily interdisciplinary rounds, where pharmacists, dietitians, and physicians discuss each patient’s needs. This teamwork ensures that every patient’s condition is addressed promptly.

Cisneros and her team are also getting certified in a program called “Improving Care of Health System Elders.” They’ll share invaluable insights with the staff to enhance patient care. Volunteer activities, held twice a day, offer more ways for patients to engage socially and mentally while boosting mobility.

Patients at ACE receive daily check-ups from a physician, ensuring they are well-monitored during their stay. The goal is to keep them active and ready for discharge, ideally sending them home rather than to a rehab facility. Research shows that similar programs can reduce hospital stays and lower healthcare costs by minimizing readmissions.

Interestingly, the focus on elderly care is an investment that won’t lead to higher bills for patients. As Cisneros puts it, the hospital is committed to achieving the best outcomes for its patients, and that’s worth the investment.

The unit has a capacity of 15 to 20 patients at a time, and its eligibility criteria ensure that patients are 70 or older with specific medical needs. Those requiring intensive monitoring aren’t admitted to ACE. Changes to the rooms include features like large digital clocks and essential equipment tailored for elderly patients, enhancing comfort and accessibility.

To further enrich patient experiences, the hospital has gathered items such as arts and crafts supplies and even a portable piano. All of these efforts aim to create a welcoming space where older patients can thrive.

For more details about Good Samaritan Hospital, check out their official website: Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

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Good Samaritan Hospital,Colorado,Intermountain Health