Seniors in York Region and Simcoe County will have improved access to care
Southlake has taken a significant step to enhance healthcare services for seniors in York Region and Simcoe County with the opening of a new Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) Unit. Officially launched during Seniors Month in June, the ACE Unit is designed to meet the unique medical needs of patients aged 70 and older, continuing Southlake’s century-long commitment to elderly care.
“Southlake has a proud history of caring for elderly patients, and the ACE Unit represents our dedication to providing seniors with leading-edge care close to home,” said Alyson McQueen, Director of Medicine and ICU at Southlake. “This unit is designed to foster an environment of dignity and respect, ensuring that our aging population receives the specialized attention they deserve.”
As one of Canada’s fastest-growing and aging regions, York Region and Simcoe County have seen an increasing demand for senior healthcare services. In the 2022/23 period, seniors accounted for over 51% of patients admitted through Southlake’s Emergency Department, with an average hospital stay of four days longer than younger patients. Recognizing the unique health challenges faced by seniors, the ACE Unit offers early rehabilitation, function-based assessments, and targeted interventions to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for elderly patients.
Dr. David Srour, Chief of Complex Medical Rehabilitation and Physician Leader for Medicine Programs at Southlake, emphasized the importance of specialized care for seniors:
“Our dedicated team is committed to delivering care that truly makes a difference in the lives of elderly patients,” he said. “Through preventive measures, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated care, we aim to help seniors live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
To support the ACE Unit, Southlake is collaborating with leading geriatricians from hospitals across Ontario to implement best practices in senior care. This includes staff training, infrastructure improvements to create a senior-friendly environment, and updated models of care tailored to the needs of elderly patients.
“Adapting healthcare environments to meet the unique needs of older patients is vital to keeping seniors healthy as our populations continue to age,” said Samir Sinha, MD, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health and the University Health Network. “Southlake’s new specialized ACE Unit will provide older patients with compassionate and effective care in their own communities”.
In addition to the ACE Unit, Southlake offers a range of programs designed to support seniors, including the Aging Well Clinic and the Geriatric Outreach Team. These programs work in tandem to ensure that seniors receive comprehensive, compassionate care, enabling them to return to their communities healthier and more independent.
This new development reaffirms Southlake’s commitment to its senior population, ensuring that elderly patients receive the best possible care in a supportive and respectful environment.
