Internal Medicine

We understand that aging often means challenging health care needs for older adults, and we know that a specialized team who understands the complexities of aging can provide the best health care. Our Geriatric HealthCare team has therefore been designed to bring you a team of dedicated professionals – Geriatricians, nurse practitioners, social workers and others. The ranges of services at our clinics are uniquely comprehensive and include geriatric assessments, primary care and specialty clinics.

• Primary Care Pavilion
  400 Harborside Dr.
  Suite 100
  Galveston, Texas 77555-1188
  409.772.3373
  Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
  
  UTMB Hospital Acute Care
  for Elders (ACE Unit)
  301 University Blvd
  John Sealy Hospital -10th floor
  Galveston, Texas, 77555
  409.772.1011
  
• Administrative Office
  301 University Blvd.
  Rebecca Sealy Hospital - 6.608
  Galveston, Texas, 77555-0177
  409.266.9635
  Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
  
  Multispecialty Center and Stark Diabetes Clinic
  2660 Gulf Freeway South
  League City, Texas, 77573-1395
  832.505.2100
  Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
  

The purpose of the ACE (Acute Care or the Elderly) unit is based on evidence based research which shows that elderly patients who are cared for in a homelike environment, have decreased incidents of hospital complications, such as delirium, decreased morbidity and mortality, improved function, cost savings, and decreased lengths of stay.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston opened an ACE Unit in 2000. Supported with funding from the Sealy and Smith Foundation, a 20-bed unit, with 12 large and 8 standard-sized private rooms was constructed. The floors are carpeted to decrease glare, sound, and pad falls. Age- and ethnicity-appropriate paintings adorn the unit to promote a sense of "home" and encourage reminiscence. Special lighting helps aging vision. The nursing station is decentralized: with a reception desk , and nurses are spread throughout the unit. A living room is furnished with a couch, chairs and tables. There is a kitchen area where patients and family can get coffee and a snack. A large fish tank and a piano were donated to the unit. ACE unit Volunteers, play for the patients on a weekly basis. The largest patient rooms are furnished with fold-out sofa beds. The staff encourages family members to stay and be involved in the care of the patients.

Eligibility for admission to the ACE unit is 70 years of age and older with any variety of acute medical or surgical problems that do not need intensive care treatment. The unit also supports hospice and palliative care patients who need end of life care.

The unit is staffed with an interdisciplinary team which consists of geriatric nursing staff, geriatrician physicians as well as other medical specialist, case managers, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians and a pastor, all who have had some training in the special needs of the elderly. The interdisciplinary team meet once a day to discuss each patient and to plan safe patient discharge. The nurse to patient ration is 1:4, and the patient care technicians are 1:10. The nursing staff focuses on safety, prevention of pressure ulcers, preservation of functionality, and safe discharge.

The Geriatric HealthCare Centers accept traditional Medicare, supplemental insurance and other private insurance plans.

• Multispecialty Center and Stark Diabetes Clinic
  2660 Gulf Freeway South
  League City, Texas, 77573-1395
  832.505.2100
  
  Primary Care Pavilion
  400 Harborside Dr.
  Suite 100
  Galveston, Texas 77555-1188
  409.772.3373
  
  UTMB Hospital Acute Care for Elders (ACE Unit)
  301 University Blvd
  John Sealy Hospital -10th floor
  Galveston, Texas, 77555
  409.772.1011