Case management of the frail elderly in the community.

Nurse case management has become a popular strategy for coordinating healthcare services to high-risk populations. This article describes the characteristics and advantages of a unique case management approach to manage the healthcare of frail elderly living in the community. At the heart of this approach are the nurse's role in the engagement of the client and family, prevention, continuity of care, and hospital, community, and caregiver team facilitator. Specific interventions of the nurse case manager are highlighted by case studies.