Old People—Must We Shut Them Away?

? must we shut them away? Dr. Norman Capstick outlines a scheme which would save many old people from the isolation of an institution, but still enable them to receive the care and treatment that they need The aim of keeping old people in the community is partly to avoid resignation to an institutional life, with its loss of independence, and also because a hospital is essentially a therapeutic institution, whose Purpose is the healing of a disease, and not a place of residence. Over recent years, the numbers of old people entering hospital and becoming permanent residents has not only become a great strain on the resources of beds and nursing staff, but have resulted in many old People becoming institutionalised and losing contact with the community. The care of the elderly at home involves not only the cooperation of the general practitioner and psychiatric services but also the provision of clubs and day centres, and the friendly attitude of neighbours and Members of voluntary organisations. The core of preventing admission is knowing where to help. It cannot be assumed that old people will always seek help themselves; some do not know the services available or how to obtain such services as Meals on Wheels. Others will only consult their general practitioner if they are physically ill, and fail to realise that such symptoms as depression and anxiety are medical problems. If old age is accompanied by dementia, a hopeless domestic situation ^ay result, with squalor, loneliness and dietary deficiencies. Obviously, it is desirable that help be s?ught early.