Rehabilitation of the elderly: 1--Settings and services.

Abstract

A man who insisted on having his hat taken off by the staff of his residential home after hours at the day hospital doing things for himself illustrates one of the challenges of geriatric rehabilitation: someone may be encouraged to do more than he Physiotherapists and occupational therapists are obvious essentials for many elderly people in hospital; but a national study of resources in geriatric medicine has shown that numbers of both are quite inadequate and not likely to become adequate.'0 A special grade of rehabilitation nurse has been recommended for staffing wards needing a strong element of rehabilitation.'0 Gradual withdrawal of nursing support is part of good rehabilitation and nurses, it is emphasised, should always encourage self help and activities taught by therapists.

Development and evaluation of the GEMS (gait, eyesight, mental state, sedation) tool as an aid to predict outcome after hospitalization

“…A published work review identified risk factors most likely to predispose to a placement discharge 1–9 . The most common factors relevant to our patient group were chosen for inclusion in this study.…”

“…Rehabilitation goals should be patient‐centered and based on multidisciplinary assessment 1 . Isaacs stated that the aims of rehabilitation should include, “the restoration of lost function and the person's former role; maximal use of remaining function and attainment of an altered role; or adaptation to reduced function and a reduced role” 1 . Patients offered rehabilitation are more likely to be discharged into the community 2 .…”

High-Risk Elderly Patients in Acute Care Institutions: A Canadian Perspective

“…At the Royal East Sussex Hospital, Hastings, UK, an elderly orthopaedic patient automatically attends a 'total care' clinic pre-and post-surgery. 32 Gloag also mentions the use of volunteers who visit the home after hospitalisation in another hospital in North London. Suttom describes a new 'Homeward Bound Unit' in Newham, East London, UK.…”

Organization of rehabilitation services

“…A volunteer who visits patients living alone on the day of discharge and during the first fortnight, to chat, do chores, establish liaisons and report to the social worker, can be a useful addition to the team. 114 Predischarge flats within rehabilitation units can be used for assessment and, if the carer is also admitted, for training of the carer. 114 Aids and adaptations should be promptly supplied.…”

“…114 Predischarge flats within rehabilitation units can be used for assessment and, if the carer is also admitted, for training of the carer. 114 Aids and adaptations should be promptly supplied. Handicapped people over 65 often lack bath and toilet aids.…”