Medical planners and the geriatric imperative.

The health needs of old people demand a change in the attitudes of physicians and social planners. There is a great gap between complicated models for health care and the delivery of that care to the ill elderly. Physicians should have better training in geriatrics in better and more coordinated facilities. Home health services are important. However, it is essential to avoid false starts and to adhere to sound principles. This is the job of the planners rather than the prophets; it is the geriatric imperative.