Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 31, 2011

This unique volume, with its person- and context-centred focus, is the only book to emphasize the need to incorporate social, cultural, and demographics into transitional care protocol for elderly patients. It encompasses the larger context of life experience in order to provide optimal pathways through transitions of care for elderly patients and has broad implications for shaping policy and future research. A consideration of contextual factors for both patients and caregivers is woven throughout the book. Chapters focus on physical and complex health problems shaping transitions of care, legal, ethical, and decision-making issues including informed consent and end of life, the impact of the current fragmented healthcare system on transitions of care, educating the workforce in transitions of care, and planning for future pathways of transition that will accommodate the rapidly growing elderly population. The volume will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, educators, policy makers, students, elderly patients, and their caregivers.