[Geriatric assessment--the Vienna model]

Geriatric Assessment is a structured interdisciplinary process for the diagnosis of the functional status and potential for rehabilitation of geriatric inpatients. This paper describes the possibilities and scope of the Vienna Model of Geriatric Assessment oriented in terms of practicability and focused implementation of resources. By using this multidimensional proceeding the rehabilitation-quotient of patients has increased more than 39%. From this point of view Geriatric Assessment in a geriatric hospital is a practical instrument to prevent hospitalization, to increase survival at home, and to improve functional status in elderly patients.