Toward a Definition of Alternatives to Institutionalization for the Frail Elderly

Abstract

The literature on alternatives to institutionalization for the frail elderly has suffered from a lack of clear definitions of key terms. An analysis of selected literature on the question leads to proposed definitions of “frail elderly” and “range of institutional care.” Based on these definitions, it is argued that an active problem-solving, treatment-oriented approach can reduce unnecessary institutionalization and that the movement to deinstitutionalize the elderly can learn from the history of the deinstitutionalization of other groups.