Misplacement of the Elderly in Hospital

Special problems of the aged and the organization of hospital services.

“…Now it might be argued that, since there is a wide overlap in the type of patient catered for in the various units, it does not matter much where the patient goes. But as Kidd (1962), for example, has shown, misplacement may impair the chances of recovery. This arises from the fact that, while the conditions treated are actually largely similar, the organization and accommodation, the attitudes and training of medical and nursing staffs, the ancillary services, and staff/patient ratios in the different types of unit are markedly dissimilar.…”

The Elderly in the Wrong Unit

“…Much of this thought has been influenced by the findings of Kidd (1962a) in his study of old people in Belfast. He found that a large number of geriatric patients suffered both mental and physical illness, that many were admitted to the inappropriate hospital, and suggested that the prognoses of these patients were worse as a result (Kidd, 1962b).…”

Psychological aspects of geriatrics

“…There is a vast literature relating to matters like the misclassification and faulty disposal of psychogeriatric patients, their fate following admission to mental hospitals, early recognition and domiciliary care. Attention is drawn to the following relevant and recent publications: Kidd (1962), Connolly, Lumsden & Ross (1964), Herbert & Jacobson (1966), Macmillan (1967), Parnell (1967), Hoenig & Hamilton (1967) and Haider (1967); finally, illuminating the American scene and providing splendid bibliographies, two books by Lowenthal andher associates (1964, 1967). In theory, the management of psychiatric illhealth in late life looks simple.…”