INCAPACITATING DISEASES IN ELDERLY - A SURVEY IN GENERAL PRACTICE

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. © 1968 The American Geriatrics Society.