Older people in hospital

We describe the evolution of an Aged Cave Unit (ACU) in a 500 bed teaching hospital in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Demographic data on ove rall hospital usage by older patients in the ACT is presented to give a per spective on the role of the ACU, showing ACU patients to be older, sicker a nd more complex. A survey of patients' expectations of hospitalisation show ed that regaining independence and returning home were their main prioritie s. Achieving these goals is an important indicator of quality care.