Mary's story, relationship-based care delivery

Traditional disease-driven models of care for our geriatric population will continue to escalate costs with increased dissatisfaction with the care provided. A relationship-based care delivery model is needed that is based on caring theories that honor geriatric patients and their families across the care continuum. Patient- and family-centered care that is based on relationships better addresses issues of poverty, social isolation, and loneliness. The relationships that healthcare providers have with their geriatric patients and their families have as much significance to the quality of life as managing disease. Nurses have an opportunity to design systems of care that promote relationships. Primary nursing and nurse case managers care delivery models foster relationships that facilitate geriatric patients to maximize their capacity.