Senior friendly health services

Abstract

As our population continues to age and to put increasing pressures on the health care system, we need to evolve the system to be sensitive to the unique needs of seniors. There are many examples of innovative, evidence-based strategies that have been shown to improve outcomes for elderly individuals utilizing health services. The association between the physical environment and its negative impact on outcomes for hospitalized geriatric patients is well recognized. The use of strategies such as an audit tool to guide modifications of the physical environment or formal programs such as HELP, are good examples of practical approaches that can be implemented. The challenge today is for leaders in the healthcare system to champion and develop principles and a vision of care that supports implementation of these elder-friendly approaches.