The Homebound Aged

Abstract

Aged, homebound people are among the medically unreached. Their problems are multifaceted, involving medical and psychological health, finances, housing, and isolation from society. In January 1973 a program was started to meet the needs of this group in some areas of Manhattan surrounding St. Vincent's Hospital by keeping the patients in their own community, out of institutions, in adequate housing, in the best possible state of health, and at the maximum level of independence. Community organizations serve as case finders; physicians, nurses, and social workers from St. Vincent's Hospital participate in the delivery of a broad range of services. In the first 16 months, 200 individuals have been referred and 620 home visits made. This form of health care delivery serves society through substantial financial savings, and it fulfills the wishes of older people themselves for such programs.