The family doctor's role in the care of the elderly.

With the anticipated increase in the number of aged persons in our local population, there will be an increased workload for the family doctor caring for the elderly in the community. Diseases thought to be attributed to ageing may be non-degenerative and hence treatable. This paper highlights the role of the family physician in the care of the elderly as the doctor's recognition of these diseases and consequent early intervention may result in an improved outcome for the patient. Optimal care can be achieved with the family doctor's systematic planning of the individual's care, networking with hospitals and other health professionals and providing support for carers.