Caring for the Homebound Elderly: A Partnership between Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care Physicians

Access to primary care and case management is an increasing challenge for growing numbers of homebound elderly. Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and patients are affected by constraints of the health care system. Collaborative models incorporating the expertise of nurse practitioners may be useful to address the unique needs of frail homebound elders who choose to remain in the community. Home visits by physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses each address various components of the complex needs of elderly homebound patients. In combination, their expertise can provide access, ensure quality, and promote cost-effective primary care and case management. This article describes an innovative partnership between physicians and nurse practitioners addressing barriers to primary care for homebound elders in the Boston area.