Lafayette, Colo.-based Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital opened a new acute care unit dedicated to older patient care.
This Acute Care for the Elderly unit features 30 patient rooms, all equipped for people over 70. Patients must have a qualified diagnosis that requires medical treatment, but not intensive care or monitoring, in order to be placed on the unit. The program aims to help older adults regain their health during and after a hospital stay, according to a May 6 hospital news release. About 15 to 20 patients are in the program.
The unit focuses on keeping patients mobile and engaged by helping them walk around, attend activities and even solve puzzles. Patients are attended by mobility technicians, a new position filled by patient care techs or certified nurse assistants with training in older adult care. Mobility techs help patients walk and complete other therapeutic activities.
The patients also have interdisciplinary rounds with staff from pharmacy, rehabilitation, case management, dietary and nurses.
The unit provides more time and resources for patients, but at no extra cost, according to the release.
