Articles: function.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jun 2024
[Legally improved access to geriatric rehabilitation - prerequisites and weaknesses].
Geriatric rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the German healthcare system to maintain the functional capacity of older patients and prevent the need for long-term care. Until recently, access to geriatric rehabilitation was largely limited to post-acute care. With the introduction of new legislation, patients aged 70 and over can be referred to geriatric rehabilitation by practitioners. ⋯ Diagnoses and test results must be consistent in documenting the need for geriatric rehabilitation. However, individual assessment of resources and motivation are prerequisites that need to be assessed by prescribing practitioners prior to prescription, considering the structure of the available formats. First analyses document improvement in access to geriatric rehabilitation but point to limited availability.