Practical Approaches to Managing Frail, Older People in Community

Abstract

The numbers of community-dwelling frail, older people are increasing steadily and a dynamic, integrated geriatric medical service should therefore be established in communities, in line with the health need of local older residents. The concept of Interface Geriatric, the direct engagement of secondary care Geriatricians linked with primary care teams, should be applicable in the community. The spectrum of an ideal community integrated geriatric service should include the multi-disciplinary team meetings on a regular basis, domiciliary visits, care home medicines management and Community Geriatric Medicine CME activities. The Integrated Interface Geriatric Service could yield overall benefits not only for older people in the community but also for doctors in training. This service could provide us positive outcomes from the aspect of cost-effectiveness.