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INCAPACITATING DISEASES IN THE ELDERLY: A SURVEY IN GENERAL PRACTICE
Author(s) -
Bendkowski B.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1968.tb02777.x
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , cerebral arteriosclerosis , general practice , ischaemic heart disease , family medicine , disease , arteriosclerosis , medical care , gerontology , pediatrics , physics , optics
A bstract A twelve‐month survey was made in general practice in an English town, to determine the incidence of incapacitating diseases in patients over 65 years old. Among the 885 patients in this age group, there were three times as many women as men, and 56 of the group (6.3 per cent) had diseases which rendered them totally incapacitated. They were cared for in their homes by interested relatives, friends or landladies. Cerebral arteriosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease and rheumatic diseases were the three leading crippling diseases. The diseases, and the care of elderly patients in their home are discussed. Old patients are treated best in their homes. They know the familiar corners of their rooms, furniture, views from the windows, and their neighbours. It is important that they have willing relatives or friends to look after them. A family doctor can give them adequate medical care provided he has the full co‐operation of ancillary services.