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War veterans in long-term care are usually elderly; consequently, a significant proportion of them are admitted with a terminal illness or will develop one within a short time. To meet the need for a palliative service in long-term care, a project was organized using a Special Projects Nurse to introduce the service. The service uses an interdisciplinary approach to address the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the veterans and their families. Staff support and education are an integral part of the program.

This article, written from the perceptive of a practising community physician, examines the servies available in the field of geriatric care at the present time. It suggests integration and co-ordination of existing facilities to maximize the current potential. It also considers the economic, geographical, and ethical concerns relating to geriatric care. It is a call for family physicians to co-ordinate their efforts in a multidisciplinary mode to ensure that our elderly are maintained in a comfortable caring atmosphere that encourages their maximum independence.