Ageing is a natural process, which presents a unique challenge for all sections of the society. An ageing population tends to have a higher incidence of chronic diseases, physical disabilities, mental illnesses and other co-morbidities. All staff working in medical units must be familiar with the increasing number of ailments for which older people require access to acute care. Older people (ages 65+) encompass a relatively small proportion of all patients attending the emergency department of overall hospital inpatients.
The oldest patients attending hospitals are often physically, cognitively or socially frail. Thus, if effective medical treatment and care can be provided at home, these additional burdens may be avoided. The guidelines by Royal College of Physicians on Acute Medical Care For Frail Of Older People states some of the recommendations on acute medical care of elderly…
