The Acute Care for Elders model is
designed to prevent functional decline and
improve functional independence if decline
has already occurred. The model typically
includes a specially designed, more home-like
environment; patient-centered medical care
to prevent disability; and comprehensive discharge
planning and management.43 In a randomized
controlled trial of 1,531 communitydwelling
adults age 70 and older, this model
was shown to decrease the likelihood of
decline in the ability to perform activities of
daily living or a decline in nursing home
placement both at hospital discharge and at
12 months, without an increase in hospital
length of stay or hospital costs