FALLS OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL

Critical to the program’s philosophy and operations is the maintenance of a network of personal relationships. The community workers know the patients in their own homes, know their neighbors and friends, and know the surrounding community. (Some patients are so attached to particular workers that special planning for vacations is necessary.) The workers regularly visit the outpatient clinic, where they know the nurses, physicians, and pharmacists, all of whom may pause to discuss how best to address a particular diffi-