A nursing response to the needs of the elderly

The aging phenomenon, a mark of contemporary society, has underscored the need to maintain and improve the health status of the elderly as well as their quality of life and to prevent their institutionalization. In a response to this need, the Foundation of the New York State Nurses Association has designed a unique and comprehensive health promotion program based on the cooperative efforts of volunteer nurses and consumers which is addressed to the well and frail elderly living in the community. This article discusses the various facets of the initial establishment of the process. More specifically, it focuses on the needs of the target population, the structure of the program, its curriculum, an evaluation comparing this effort with others, and the advantages accruing to the nursing profession.