Special Hospital Services for Older Adults

University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) recognizes that the healthcare needs of older adults are different from those of younger age groups. Statistics show that 50 percent of all individuals hospitalized in the United States are over the age of 65. Studies also show that 36 percent to 58 percent of older adults who are hospitalized will experience a decrease in their ability to function.

Recognizing these differences, UMCP's administrators, physicians and nursing staff have initiated a variety of new programs to address the different needs of older adults. One of the most important initiatives to be implemented is the NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for HealthSystem Elders) program, which began here in February 2008.

In January 2009, UMCP also joined a select number of hospitals in opening an Acute Care of the Elderly, or ACE, nursing unit. UMCP is one of the first hospitals in the state to offer a specialized ACE nursing unit for older adult patients. For more information on the NICHE program, click here.

For more information on the ACE nursing unit, click here.

For more information, call Princeton HealthCare System at 1.888.PHCS4YOU (1.888.742.7496).