Caring for the Frail Elderly in the Home: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

As people live longer, maintaining independence in the home will become a significant health care issue. This article explains how one home care agency developed a comprehensive multidiscipli-nary program to identify, screen, assess, and treat the four common geriatric syndromes that affect quality of life for older people and are often the cause for nursing home admissions. The four syndromes are falls risk, incontinence, dementia, and depression. By screening for these four syndromes clinicians can develop care plans that address the needs of the frail elderly. Through an interdiscipli-nary approach, the team can work together to keep patients safe and independent in their own homes, allowing them to stay in their own environment with assistance if needed.

Keywords

home health frail elderly multidisciplinary care evidence-based practice

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