Improving a system of care for elderly persons in rural areas

This article describes a community initiative to improve the care of elders in largely rural areas. An organization development framework guided pilot projects in two communities, with support from a regional geriatric progra m. Two interdisciplinary teams, representing primary service agencies in th e communities, have been trained to serve as local resources in geriatric a ssessment and intervention. Through the resource teams, the communities are developing a more integrated and coordinated approach to care for the elde rly population. The process has yielded valuable insights into the implemen tation of system change.