Senior Adults Find "ACE" Care at Ocean Medical Center

"The nurses on the ACE unit are exceptional," says Carey Wright (left). She brought her mother, Sarah (right), in for treatment, and was impressed by the compassion and patience of the unit's staff.

Carey Wright from Toms River is like many children of older parents: She takes an active role in their lives by bringing them to doctors' offices or appointments and shops for them. So when Carey noticed her mother, Sarah, was having problems with one of her legs, she took her to see Paul Lee, M.D., Sarah's geriatrician who is affiliated with Ocean Medical Center.

Sarah's leg was swollen, and she was in a lot of pain. Dr. Lee felt Sarah needed to be admitted to the hospital, because she suffers from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is the development of blood clots deep in the vein that can partially or completely block the flow of blood. "DVT can be caused by poor circulation from heart conditions, inactivity, or recent surgery," says Dr. Lee. "Older adults are at risk because they often have one or more of these risk factors."

Sarah was admitted to the new Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) Unit, which is designed for patients older than 70 who may be challenged with dementia or depression. "While the nurses at Ocean are always professional, the nurses on the ACE unit were exceptional," says Carey. "They were very gentle and patient with my mother." Carey also appreciated that the nurses questioned her mother directly to get the information they needed, and only looked to her to fill in the details her mother could not answer. "That's what I want," says Carey. "My mother can still make her own decisions, even though she has her moments. I want her to be as independent as possible."

The ACE unit uses unique design elements to cater to its patients. The bathrooms are close to the bed and there is a sink outside of it so patients can wash up even if the bathroom is occupied. Also, the night tables are right next to the bed, so patients can see and access their personal items at all times.

Dr. Lee, one of several geriatricians in Mid Atlantic Geriatric Association, does rounds at the ACE Unit every day to visit his patients and discuss their progress with a multidisciplinary team including nurses, case managers, social workers, physicians, occupational therapists, dietitians, and pharmacists. Knowing that Dr. Lee would see her mother daily gave Carey the peace of mind to continue working and pursuing her regular routines during the day.

Upon Sarah's discharge, Dr. Lee prescribed physical therapy and changed Sarah's medications to treat her depression. "My mother is doing much better emotionally," says Carey. "Now she goes out on the porch to interact with others."

– Anne Marie Keevins

About The Doctor

Lee, Paul P., M.D. Board certified in Internal Medicine Manchester, NJ  08759 (732) 657-6100