Description
An ageing population means many more frail and disabled people are residing in the community. A more proactive approach needs to be adopted in managing these people and there are several ways in which geriatricians can contribute to their care. Adoption of a policy of aggressive intervention to slow the rate of decline of chronic illness and detection of unmet medical needs at an early stage will improve outcome in terms of functional ability and admission to institutionalised care and can save money. Sessions in community hospitals, development of hospital-at-home schemes, community rehabilitation teams and increased input into nursing homes are all ways in which geriatricians can positively influence the care of older people in the community. Close co-operation with primary care is mandatory to ensure services are planned according to local needs and all consultants trained in geriatric medicine should contribute to community work as part of their job plan.
