Psychosocial Concerns in Geriatric Rehabilitation

This article aim to introduce the geriatric rehabilitation team member to the older American population, in general, and the geriatric patient, in particular. Disability, and its anxiety related consequences are explored; management strategies are preferred. Bjo-psycho-social concerns pertinent to a differential diagnosis of older patient's "senile-like" behaviors are discussed. Disability is viewed as a family affair; the impact on the spouse and other family members is examined. Professional/patient issues and training needs are reviewed. Caution against the acceptance of the negative stereotypes of aging is urged. The older patient is described as a person who has suffered bodily assault while simultaneously experiencing the normal, developmental process of aging. He is entitled to a comprehensive evaluation of his disability and life-situation to ferret out conditions that can be ameliorated. The reader is encouraged to view psychiatric symptoms as manifestations of potentially treatable illness rather than a sign of chronic organic brain syndrome.