Abstract
This study was carried out to determine community health service utilisation and needs of an elderly population living in a geographically defined area of Dublin. A random sample of 208 persons was taken from the 11,852 elderly persons living in the area. Activities of daily living and cognitive function were assessed in the person’s own home. Whilst the community health services provided were less than comprehensive, they were targeted to those most in need; the very elderly, those living alone, and persons with a mental or physical disability. Objectively assessed need for further services far outweighed the demand for such services. Studies such as this are essential if the elderly are to receive their fair share of services in a demand based health service.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brocklehurst, J. C., Kamal, A. Short mental state questionnaire for assessing the mental status in chronic brain failure. In: A colour atlas in geriatric medicine. London: Wolfe Medical, 1983.
Epi Info, version 5: a word processing, database, and statistics program for epidemiology on microcomputers. USD, Incorporated, Stone Mountain, Georgia, 1990.
Black, D., Morris, J. N., Townsend, P., Smith, C. S. Inequalities in Health. Report of a research working group. London: DHSS, 1980.
Henderson, A. S. The Epidemiology of Alzheimer’s Disease. B. Med. Bulletin 1986:42, 2–10.
Ouslander, J., Beck, J. Defining the health problems of the elderly. Ann. Rev. Public Health 1982: 3, 55–83.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lyons, R.A., McCarthy, R. & O’Connor, A. Community health service utilisation and needs in an elderly population. I.J.M.S. 160, 307–309 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02957858
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02957858