Articles: aged.
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Milbank Mem Fund Q Health Soc · Jan 1980
The double-edged sword: paternalism as a policy in the problems of aging.
Paternalism--coercive or deceptive interference in a citizen's life for his own good--is much in evidence in our policies regarding the aged. Some argue that paternalism is an unwarranted denial of individual liberty, ,for doubtful societal gain. Others contend that freedom has but instrumental value, and the aged cannot always use it effectively to aid in pursuit of their own happiness. The philosophical and political choices made on behalf of the aged must be understood as imperfect compromises.
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A geriatric day hospital was established as part of the psychogeriatric unit of the Royal Ottawa Hospital. While initially this day hospital was integrated with day hospital programs of other units, it became apparent that a separate facility was desirable. The activities and programs of the psychogeriatric day hospital, run by one registered nurse, were integrated with those of the geriatric inpatient unit. ⋯ The majority of day hospital patients came from the inpatient unit; almost all had affective disorders. The emphasis was on reintegration into the community. During the 1st year of operation there were 75 patients in the program; only 3 needed admission to the inpatient unit and 1 was readmitted after discharge.