Overview

This case study illustrates the unique character of geriatric service delivery in rural areas by highlighting one individual’s care. The site includes case meeting notes, assessments by each of the team disciplines (Medicine, Nursing, social work, OT, PT, RT, and SPLA). Developed for use by students and professionals as an introduction to long-term home care in rural areas, it enables allied health students and professionals to review interdisciplinary clinical assessments of an older adult living in a rural environment. We recommend the use of the case study for classroom and in-service training. The case enables the students to learn about other disciplines and how professionals can work together to enhance the quality of life and health of older adults in rural environments.

Learning Objectives

1.Introduce the unique challenges and opportunities of providing health care services to older adults in rural settings.

2.Describe the concept and practice of interdisciplinary geriatric assessment.

3.Identify the roles professionals from multiple disciplines and how their combined expertise can be utilized in the care of older adults.

4.Foster new ways of thinking about how care for older adults residing in their own homes in a rural setting can be improved.