The DuPage County Health Department has developed a gerontology nursing assessment and referral service. Clients 60 or over receive a telephone pre-screening by a gerontology nurse to identify risk factors. If appropriate, an in-home nursing assessment is conducted, using a modified version of the Omaha Visiting Nurses Association Problem Classification System. Clients with minor needs are followed up via telephone by the Gerontology nurse and discharged. Those with complex needs are referred to a public health nurse for short term in-home follow-up. Clients with mental health needs may be referred to a psychiatric nurse for an in-home consultation visit. Program benefits include increased quality of service to clients via the expertise of program staff with training in gerontology, increased efficiency and consistency in service delivery, more appropriate utilization of Health Department staff, and a clearer understanding of the role of the public health nurse among clients, families and providers.
Learning Objectives: 1) To learn about innovative program for the elderly
Keywords: Frail Elderly,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.