The Medical Center's Impact as a Vital Force in a Network to Sustain the Aged in the Community.

This paper describes the continuum of comprehensive services offered by the social work department of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center to a high risk elderly population, i.e., those who are widows, widowers, older divorced individuals and singles, particularly those who have difficulty caring for themselves. Following a brief review of the literature dealing with the frail elderly, the Center's programs are described including the Enriched Housing Program (an alternative housing and support program in the community); a day care program providing medical monitoring and a socialization and activities program; and an advocacy program. The process of gaining support for the programs is briefly described and the advantages of the program approach are discussed. (MCF)