A geriatric assessment unit in a long-term care facility
Hogan, D.B.; Cape, R.D.
Canadian Journal of Public Health 75(4): 301-303
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4263 PMID: 6434174 Document Number: 231044
To determine the utility of Geriatric Assessment Units (GAU) in long-term care facilities experiences with a GAU were reviewed. Frequently significant medical problems were found during evaluation in the GAU. After the patient's stay on the unit a comprehensive reactivation plan was formulated. On follow-up after discharge from the GAU 21% had been discharged to the community and a further 17% were living independently in the residential section of the institution. Patient medical status was often labile with occasional episodes of transient deterioration. This suggests the necessity of adaptability in the long-term care health system in which the GAU has a role to play.