public policy. Anyone interested in aging studies or health care would find this volume useful and enlightening."--Anthropology and Aging Quarterly This unique volume, with its person- and context-centered 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. Key Features: Describes a person- and context-centered focus emphasizing social demographics and geographic location in understanding transitions of care among older adults. Based on the most current research on critical issues in transitional care for the elderly Written by a multidisciplinary cast of highly respected authors Includes case studies and discussion of how specific conditions affect transitions of care in different ways Addresses the physical and emotional effects of transitions on patients and caregivers

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