Objective To improve the outcomes and satisfaction of elderly patients. Methods A total of 440 elderly patients with exa-cerbation of chronic disease were divided into a control group （n=182） and an intervention group （n=258） according to the admission unit. The control group received routine nursing care, while the intervention group were subjected to the Acute Care of the Elderly （ACE） unit model of care, including constructing ACE unit, providing restorative and rehabilitation care, maintaining functional status, and implementing well planned early discharge. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group had greater improvement in frailty and activities of daily living agency, lower incidence of falls, shorter hospital stays, less medical cost and higher patient satisfaction (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion ACE unit model of care is superior to conventional care in promoting the outcomes of the elderly patients, thus to enhance their satisfaction with nursing service.