REHABILITATION OF GERIATRIC-PATIENTS

Objective: To describe the role of geriatric rehabilitation, the metho ds of practice, and the mechanisms underlying integrated care in rehab ilitation medicine, Design: We reviewed the rehabilitation-related med ical literature and outlined an approach to the evaluation of impairme nt in older patients and subsequent rehabilitation planning, Results: For optimal rehabilitation of geriatric patients, knowledge of general principles of rehabilitation and key areas affecting the elderly popu lation is important, A rehabilitation program will be most successful if a team approach-including a physician, rehabilitation nurse, physic al therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, medical social wor ker, and recreational therapist-is used, Attention should be paid to s pecial considerations in older patients (such as the presence of comor bid conditions) and potential barriers to care in order to maximize be nefit, Conclusion: Rehabilitation of elderly patients can assist in pr eserving functional independence and improving the quality of life, As sessment and management in an individual patient are best performed by a team approach.