Acute care for elders (ACE): a holistic model for geriatric orthopaedic nursing care

The normal aging process brings about inevitable and irreversible changes in physical, psychosocial, and spiritual health. These normal changes are partially responsible for the increased risk of developing health-related problems in the hospitalized elder population. The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model provides an effective, proactive, inexpensive framework for addressing the complex health needs of older adults. When ACE principles are used for the clinical management of clients with orthopaedic problems, interdisciplinary conferences provide the structure for maintaining the continuity of care. Mobility as well as independent functioning, comfort level, mental status, depression, skin health, nutrition, and response to treatment, are discussed and nurse initiated guidelines for preventive and restorative interventions are implemented. Follow-up phone calls and/or home visits are important indices of thorough discharge planning. The theory of comfort is used to assure that holistic needs are addressed. Nurses who practice the ACE model are excited about demonstrating the highest level of competency in geriatric nursing, whereby patient functioning is maximized, comfort and dignity are promoted, functional decline is prevented, and patients are successfully returned to their homes.