The Role and Value of Specialized Geriatric Services

Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto

محتويات

A system of health care services that optimises the health, independence and quality of life of seniors with complex health problems.

Demographics and Dollars: The needs of an aging population will be the single most significant challenge facing our health system. A major factor in health system re-structuring.
Challenges in Assessment and Treatment: The fundamental premise is that much of the disease, disability and dependency in old age is preventable, treatable, or manageable.
Seniors with complex health problems have unique needs and present specific challenges for accurate diagnosis and assessment.
Inaccurate diagnoses may result in inappropriate treatment, with further losses of health and independence, premature placement and long lengths of stay in acute care.

Seniors, 75 years of age or more, with complex, multiple health problems, dependent, in activities of daily living.
15% of the population 65 years of age or more, "the frail elderly".
Family caregivers, through education and linkages to community services.
Society, through the reduction of unnecessary human and financial costs.

A comprehensive range of specialised geriatric assessment, short term treatment and rehabilitation services provided by interdisciplinary teams with expertise in care of the elderly, across the continuum of care.
- Inpatient
  - Geriatric Assessment Units
  - Geriatric Rehabilitation Units
  - Geriatric Consultation Teams
- Outpatient
  - Geriatric Clinics
  - Geriatric Day Hospitals
  - Geriatric Outreach Services
Consultation and advice on the management of complex health problems.
Integration of consultation, education, research and community development to extend the geriatric capability of primary and continuing care.
Research to promote evidence-based, high quality, effective care of the elderly.

Major Geriatric Problems: Recent onset of unexplained changes in physical, mental or functional status - falls, incontinence, confusion, impaired mobility, and polypharmacy.
Interaction of multiple and complex medical problems.
Increased use of health care services.
Major change in support needs.

Increased independence and quality of life for seniors and their caregivers.
Improved patient outcomes:
- Reduce functional decline associated with hospitalisation.
- Increased likelihood of discharges home / reduced institutionalisation.
- Reduced mortality.
Increased clinical efficiencies in acute care.
- Reduced lengths of stay and readmission rates.
- Decreased ALC days.
Enhanced capacity of physicians and other care providers to assess and treat health problems of the elderly.