Working with older people: opportunities for community nursing

Abstract

This article briefly considers the role of community nurses working with older people and their carers, outlining the changing demographic trends and patterns of illness. It suggests the need for a more proactive approach which builds upon opportunities for health promotion in addition to support for family carers. The development of interventions which are of relevance to very frail older people are also discussed. The forthcoming year will see a number of major policy developments and therefore community nurses should seize the initiative and explore new possibilities while developing existing roles.