Development of innovative health services for the frail elderly: a comparison of programs in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Rochester, New York.

This paper delineates a model of health services for the elderly in industrialized societies and examines innovative developments in these services in recent years in Edinburgh. Scotland and Rochester, NY. Emphasis of innovations in the former has been upon early intervention in health problems of the frail elderly in the home and avoidance of hospitalization ("preventive geriatrics"). The focus in the latter has been largely upon improving efficiency and appropriateness of placement of elderly persons who require long term care. These experiences reflect the distinctive organization and financing of health services in the UK and the US as well as the exemplary efforts of professional leaders in identifying and addressing unmet needs of frail elderly persons in the respective communities studied. Opportunities for each society to benefit from the other's experience are discussed.