The desk directory of social resources: a physicians' reference guide to social and community services for the aged

Physicians not only have a responsibility for the diagnosis and management of illness in the aged but also must address the patient's emotional needs, functional status, and psychosocial problems. The Institute of Medicine Report on Geriatric Medical Education has emphasized the need to train physicians to understand how the social components of care enhance the course and outcome of treatment. A physician's reference guide to social and community services should be developed to provide information that will enable clinicians to integrate medical and community health services into their practice.