title: Critical care for the geriatric patient.
abstract: Approximately one-half of all patients admitted to the intensive care unit are over the age of 65, even though elderly people comprise about 12% of the population. This article defines the special needs of the geriatric patient within the critical care setting. Developing an approach to the care of critically ill geriatric patients based on knowledge of their medical and psychosocial needs is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Winthrop-University Hospital, United Presbyterian Residence, Long Island, New York.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Adelman
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: L O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Macina
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003422:Critical Care; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations