ACE Program
The ACE unit model was developed by Landefeld, Palmer, and Kresevic and colleagues in 1995 at the University Hospitals of Cleveland.18 and 19 The ACE program follows a model of holistic care, including the social and environmental context, rather than solely focusing on medical diagnoses.20 The ACE program implements changes in 4 areas: creating a specially designed environment, providing patient-centered care, multidisciplinary team discharge planning, and enhanced review of medical care.18, 20, 21 and 22 These changes were designed to improve geriatric care and outcomes.
ACE units have an environment designed to meet the unique needs of the geriatric patient. Environmental features include carpeting in patient rooms and hallway and handrails in the hallways to support independent ambulation; large clocks and calendars in patient rooms to assist orientation; elevated toilet seats; large lever-style door handles; and a parlor room for group meals, activities, and visiting with guests.20 and 22 These environmental characteristics are intended to meet needs of older patients, i.e., promoting activities of daily living (ADLs) performance without assistance.