Strong Health has established the care of the older adult as a top clinical priority spanning all aspects of medical care from primary through tertiary care. Our mission is to contribute to successful aging and the promotion of independent living among older adults.
Acute Care for Elders at Highland Hospital
Older adults have unique needs requiring specialized care when in the hospital, nursing home or assisted living center. The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Highland Hospital is designed to meet the needs of both the older patient and his/her family. Our doctors work closely with the unit’s nurses, social workers, therapists, and other professionals to ensure the best care. Active listening and communication are emphasized, as is the involvement of family members in care planning and after-care support.
The ACE Unit Successfully Meets the Needs of Older Adults by:
- There are 16 board-certified geriatricians who care for their patients on the ACE unit.
- Providing care focused on the patient’s needs and preferences
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available to help patients return to their normal routines as quickly as possible.
- Maintaining the dignity and comfort of hospitalized elders
- Helping patients maintain optimum mind and body functioning
- Palliative care consultations are available to help manage pain and other serious symptoms
- Skin care gets special attention. Skin and wound care experts are consulted regularly.
- Explaining available health care services and options to patients and families and providing high quality, timely information
- Catering to the dietary needs of patients by employing nutritionists who are sensitive to the nutritional needs of the elderly
- Working closely with pharmacy consultants, patients and their physicians to ensure proper medication management
- Minimizing the impact of being hospitalized
- Decreasing the need for readmission to the hospital
- Simplifying admission and discharge processes
- Safely returning patients to their own home, assisted living facility or nursing home. Our staff will help coordinate home care or other services, as needed.
Our Team
The ACE Unit is backed by the extensive resources and skilled specialists of Strong Memorial Hospital, the Strong Health Geriatrics Group, Geriatrics and Medical Associates, and Highland Hospital Geriatrics Group.
Sandra Duell, RN
Unit Manager
Barb Schrage, RN, MS, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Dawn Clark, MSW
Social Worker
Kathy Luby, MSW
Social Worker
Daniel A. Mendelson, MS, M.D.
Medical Director, ACE Unit
Robert M. McCann, M.D.
Chief of Medicine, Highland Hospital
William J. Hall, M.D.
Director, Center for Healthy Aging
Did You Know…
More geriatricians care for their patients on the ACE Unit than any other unit in the region.