A dedicated healing space for older adults

Southlake’s new ACE Unit cares for seniors in an environment built just for them

During Seniors Month in June, Southlake opened the Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) Unit, a dedicated space designed to meet the complex medical needs of patients aged 70 and older. Thoughtfully planned to support comfort, safety, and recovery, the unit offers specialized care for seniors in a calm and welcoming environment. 

Older adults tend to experience longer hospital stays and benefit from a care approach tailored to their specific needs. The ACE Unit incorporates early rehabilitation, function-based assessments, and individualized care planning to help patients regain strength and return home with greater independence. 

This new unit responds to a growing need across northern York Region and south Simcoe County. In 2022/23, more than half of patients admitted through Southlake’s Emergency Department were seniors.

The ACE Unit complements other Southlake programs to support older adults, including the Aging Well Clinic and the Geriatric Outreach Team, to help older adults receive the leading edge care, in the right environment. Together, these services form a coordinated network that helps seniors stay healthier, recover more fully, and remain independent for longer.