The role of geriatrics in a family practice residency program

In an attempt to clarify the role of geriatrics in family practice, the program at St. Joseph's Hospital and Nursing Home of Yonkers is outlined. The objective of this Family Practice Program are: 1) to assist in identifying needs in a target population and in developing and providing services to meet these needs; 2) to train and educate the Family Practice resident in the multiple medical, social and psychiatric problems of late life; 3) to indoctrinate this resident in the unique and numerous needs of the institutional elderly and of the institution in which they reside; and 4) to develop new and comprehensive systems of health care that will permit the marginally ill elderly to remain in the community as long as possible.