What is the meaning of "integrated care" in gerontology?

Integrated care in gerontology refers to a comprehensive approach that ensures all aspects of a patient's needs are addressed in a coordinated manner. This involves combining various health services and delivering them in a way that takes into account the full range of factors affecting an older individual's health and well-being. It reflects the understanding that older adults often have complex, multifaceted needs that require collaboration among healthcare providers across various specialties and settings.

By implementing integrated care, professionals aim to enhance communication among caregivers, streamline services, and ultimately improve the quality of life for seniors. This approach is designed to create a seamless experience for patients, addressing not just physical health needs, but also emotional, social, and environmental factors that contribute to their overall health.

Other options focus on narrower aspects of care. Individualized therapy approaches for seniors do not encompass the extensive coordination required in integrated care. Care limited to physical health concerns and support only for emotional well-being overlook the comprehensive nature of the services integrated care aims to provide, failing to recognize the interplay between various health dimensions in older adults.