Geriatric medicine in Grahamstown.

A developing interest in improved care of the aged by the authorities of Settlers' Hospital in Grahamstown led to an invitation to the Geriatric Unit of the University of Cape Town in March 1984 to visit the hospital. The impressions gained on this visit indicated a need to expand hospital-based geriatric medicine into total community care of the elderly. Data were gathered concerning 50 acutely ill and 31 long-stay elderly black patients in Settlers' Hospital. These findings and the recommendations of various committees are discussed against the background of a model for the delivery of better geriatric care throughout the country. The most urgent necessity for Grahamstown appeared to be provision of better care for aged black people in the community.