Caring for nursing home patients: strategies to avoid conflict.

The need for primary care physicians to care for nursing home patients will continue to increase as America's population ages. Although some conflicts persist, nursing home practice can be gratifying for the physician if certain patient care strategies are followed. Measures that can help make the practice more efficient and rewarding include careful planning, setting limits on the practice, establishing patient goals early, developing a strong rapport with nursing home staff and patients' families, and gaining an understanding of local and federal regulations. Primary care physicians can also play a significant role in improving the quality of life for patients in this setting.