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An information service in a geriatric unit
Summary
A new information service connected elderly care providers with community resources. This initiative successfully provided information and assistance, addressing unmet needs for geriatric services.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Community Health Services
- Information Science
Background:
- Initial development of geriatric units faced challenges due to a lack of accessible community resource information.
- A postal survey identified existing facilities and services for the aged in the Cape Peninsula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the outcomes of an information service established for the elderly and their caregivers.
- To assess the effectiveness of the service in providing information and assistance.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was conducted in collaboration with the Cape Peninsula Organization for the Aged.
- An information manual was created, and an inquiry service was established at the University of Cape Town's Medical School Geriatric Unit.
- The first 50 enquiries received by the service were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The service provided 73 items of advice or information in response to 50 enquiries.
- Unmet community needs were identified in 9 instances.
- Successful assistance was documented in 30 cases, including residential placement and various assessments (geriatric, psychogeriatric, domiciliary).
Conclusions:
- The information service effectively connected caregivers with appropriate resources for the elderly.
- The service played a crucial role in addressing information gaps and unmet needs in geriatric care.
- Establishing such information hubs is vital for supporting home-based care for the aged.