| Abstrakt: |
Most of the aged patients in mental hospitals and chronic care institutions need the help that such institutions should provide. However, patients seldom receive the individual care and attention they need. The importance of the patient-doctor relationship cannot be overemphasized. Some patients have an inordinate need for a personal, intimate dependency relationship with a significant other. When homes are inadequate or when there is no one to meet these needs for socialization and care, an adequate institution may be preferable to continuing to live in adverse conditions. The role of physicians in helping chronic care institutions meet the needs of aged patients is described. The physician's job is to cure when he can, ameliorate when he cannot cure, and comfort when he cannot ameliorate. If these institutions are to provide good custodial and supervisory care, they must provide comprehensive medical care. Since many older patients go to nursing homes, it is recommended that most of these be changed into limited hospitals; just as many homes for the aged are now hospitals as well as residences for the aged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
