DEVELOPING GERIATRIC SERVICES FOR REHABILITATION

MEDICINE
Kristopher P. de Leon, MD

Geriatric rehabilitation focuses on the symptoms and function of aging

individuals. The elderly are not a homogenous group. There are differences between
age groups. There are also differences between the healthy and the ill, just as one sees
in younger age groups. Normal aging should be distinguished from the sequelae of
illness. One can approach geriatric rehabilitation from a purely functional perspective,
looking not so much at the pathophysiology, but rather at the resulting disability.

Geriatric rehabilitation addresses problems that have an impact not only on the
individual patient, but also on society at large. There are major economic ramifications
when individuals can no longer care for themselves. Increased longevity, with an
increase in the absolute numbers of elderly, has increased the impact on society.

Because disability is common among older persons, rehabilitation is an important

component of geriatric health care. Defining the cause or causes of disability will allow
the rehabilitation team to provide treatment in the optimal setting for the individual
patient.

Preventive measures to maximize function, avoid disability, and optimize

symptoms can include interventions rooted in pharmacology, formal therapy, and
modification of the external environment.

Much remains unknown about the most effective rehabilitation techniques for
patients with multiple comorbidities; however, available literature supports the continued
use of rehabilitation to improve function, independence, and quality of life for older
persons