Elderly Friendly Hospital Concept First Application in Our Country: Izmir Model

Abstract

Care and hospital experience of elderly people in hospitals are among the important determinants of the health and well-being of older adults. A comprehensive and coordinated system should be established in order to protect their health and respond to their demands, considering that the elderly, whose population in the society is increasing day by day, is receiving service from every unit of the hospital. Older adults often have complex health and social needs due to multiple chronic medical conditions, cognitive and physical functional limitations. In addition, due to the biological factors, social and emotional isolation and the burden on caregivers, a different design is required in the health service for the elderly than the health service offered to other risky groups. Care systems are often inadequate, as current healthcare delivery systems are not sufficiently compatible with these complex needs. Dozens of different care models have been developed to improve care for older adults, but the spread and scale of these models has been limited. A first as a state hospital in Izmir in Turkey has been organized in accordance with the criteria elderly-friendly hospitals. These culturally and socially adapted criteria need to become widespread throughout the country as soon as possible.

Key Words: Elderly, Age Friendly, Health Service, Health Care, Geriatrics

Special Issue of Health Sciences

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-03-19