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A Geriatric Evaluation Service: follow-up survey
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|July 1, 1980
Summary
Most urban elderly individuals have viable alternatives to mental hospital care, primarily relying on family support. Community services are underutilized by this demographic, despite their availability.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Community Health
- Mental Healthcare Services
Background:
- Long-term care decisions for the urban elderly are complex.
- Geriatric Evaluation Teams assess the appropriateness of mental hospital placement.
- Identifying community resource utilization is crucial for elderly care planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate community resource usage among urban elderly individuals.
- To determine alternatives to mental hospital institutionalization for this population.
- To assess the role of natural support systems and community services.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among urban elderly subjects.
- Follow-up study involved 112 elderly individuals.
- Geriatric Evaluation Team's recommendations were considered.
Main Results:
- The majority of elderly individuals referred to geriatric evaluation have alternatives to institutionalization.
- Family members form a significant natural support system, with over half having daily contact.
- Community services were infrequently utilized by the elderly subjects.
Conclusions:
- Alternatives to mental hospital care exist for most urban elderly individuals.
- Family support is a critical resource for the elderly.
- There is a need to promote awareness and utilization of available community services for the elderly.