The role of community health care team in the care of the elderly.

The Community Health Care Team plays an important role in helping the elderly maintain an independent life in the community for as long as possible. It does this by emphasizing preventive Geriatric Medicine, provision of supportive and care services and ensuring emotional and physical support for carers. Each member of the Community Health Care team plays an important role and works together as a team to ensure that appropriate services are provided for the varied needs of the elderly in the Community. In Singapore, Community Health Services for the elderly are provided mainly by the Home Nursing Foundation (HNF). Services available at the moment include domiciliary nursing service, rehabilitation and day care carried out at the Senior Citizen's Health Care Centres and Home rehabilitation programme undertaken by trained Staff Nurses. Close liaison is maintained with the Geriatric Department in Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Support groups in existence include a Stroke Club and a Carer's group. Respite care is presently provided by certain voluntary Homes on an ad-hoc basis. The aim of effective community based care for the elderly should be adequate provision of services followed by the effective use of resources.