The acute care for elders (ACE) unit at Norton Audubon Hospital specializes in caring for the needs of older patients. Specially trained nurses and hospital staff provide personalized care for older adults to help them maintain their independence and improve their overall comfort. This is accomplished using a model of care designed to maintain or improve patients' strength and stamina with the goal of returning patients to their regular routines as quickly as possible.
Our services
During a hospital stay, older patients sometimes experience a general decline in mental and physical health as a result of lack of movement and stimulation. A team of health care professionals, including nurses, therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and chaplains, works with patients on the ACE unit to keep them more active and alert while they receive care for their illnesses or injuries.
The ACE care team uses a proactive approach to provide specialized care for older adults and assist them in recovery.
ACE care promotes:
Caring and coping: spiritual care; patient and family involvement
Safe medication management
Physical activity to improve balance and help prevent falls
Nutritional counseling
Activities for the mind to improve memory and thinking skills
Discharge planning/care transition
Admission criteria
There is no specific diagnosis needed for admission to the ACE unit, but patients must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 65 years old (or based on need)
Able to live independently or care for oneself with assistance from an involved caregiver prior to admission
Expect to return to same level of independence upon discharge
Other services
Norton Audubon Hospital is committed to delivering comprehensive, quality care to older adults. The hospital offers many additional services that may benefit ACE unit patients, including the Norton Joint Care program, Norton Vascular Access Center, Norton Wound Healing Center, interventional radiology, diabetes education and exercise programs, music therapy and more.
For more information about the ACE unit and other programs at Norton Audubon Hospital, talk with your physician, call (502) 636-7111.
Norton Audubon Hospital is offering a series of free classes for anyone who could benefit from support and education about the challenges of health and wellness as we age.
Wednesday, June 16 8 to 9:30 a.m. Making Sense of Legal Documents: POAs, Wills & Advance Directives
Tuesday, July 13 12:30 to 2 p.m. - Transitioning from One Level of Care to Another - Medicare Confusion? Updates on What's Covered and Not Covered
Monday, Aug. 23 8 to 9:30 a.m. - Avoiding Medication Mix-ups: Tips for Safe Handling & Use - Healthy Eating - Healthy Elders: Cooking for One or Two - Throw Out the Throw Rugs: Making the Home Safe for Seniors
Tuesday, Sept. 14 12:30 to 2 p.m. - Dementia: Signs, Symptoms & Resources for Caring and Coping - Balancing Act: Caring for Kids & Parents Without Forgetting About You
Classes are held in the Community Room, Lower Level 2 (LL2) at Norton Audubon Hospital. Refreshments are provided. Register to win a $25 door prize at each class. For more information, call (502) 629-1234
This series is made possible by the Community Care Network: Norton Audubon Hospital, Franciscan Health Care Center, Atria Senior Living, Caretenders Home Health, Home Instead, Hosparus Care and Gould’s Discount Medical; and the ACE (acute care for elders) unit at Norton Audubon Hospital.
1 Audubon Plaza Drive Louisville, KY 40217 (502) 636-7111 NortonHealthcare.com/ACE
