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Welcome
The elderly population can be a vulnerable group, often with multiple chronic health conditions and highly specialized needs. At Maine Medical Center , we understand these vulnerabilities and have implemented inpatient programs designed specifically to care for Maine ’s seniors who require hospitalization. We recognize that individuals age 65 and older have a significant number of days of hospital care. In fact, this population accounts for more than 48% of all inpatient days. We also recognize that functional and cognitive decline and delirium occurs in 33-50% of our hospitalized elders. And finally, we are aware that loss of independence and institutionalization can be frequent outcomes of hospitalization for seniors.
At MMC, we have an Acute Care for the Elderly Unit (ACE); a Hospitalized Elder Life Program, (HELP) and an inpatient consult service. Each of these programs strives to:
- Maintain physical and cognitive functioning
- Decrease occurrence of delirium
- Maximize independence at discharge
- Assist with transition from the hospital to home, or from the hospital to the next healthcare facility
- Prevent unplanned hospital readmissions
Additional Resources:
Yale Hospital Elder Life Program
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