Older People In Hospital

We describe the evolution of an Aged Cave Unit (ACU) in a 500 bed teaching hospital in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Demographic data on overall hospital usage by older patients in the ACT is presented to give a perspective on the role of the ACU, showing ACU patients to be older, sicker and more complex. A survey of patients' expectations of hospitalisation showed that regaining independence and returning home were their main priorities. Achieving these goals is an important indicator of quality care.