Bernard Isaacs – författare

Originally published in 1972, this book is an analytical account of the socio-medical tribulations suffered by Glasgow’s east-end elderly leading to referral to geriatric wards. It examines why so many old people suffer from physical, mental and social deprivation in the final years of their lives. It shows by statistical studies and illustrative case histories that the basic cause is the survival into old age of people who are unfit to care for themselves, in such numbers that help from families, neighbours, the social services and the NHS is insufficient. From this study the expression the "geriatric giants" or the four I’s was coined: impairment of intellect (cerebral dysfunction), incontinence, immobility and instability (falls). The term ‘giant’ is seen to refer both to statistical frequency and to the huge personal burden of sufferers, escalating the need for socio-medical intervention. Prophetic in its predictions that the huge and complex social care problem would grow in the future much of this book remains relevant today.

Originally published in 1972, this book is an analytical account of the socio-medical tribulations suffered by Glasgow’s east-end elderly leading to referral to geriatric wards. It examines why so many old people suffer from physical, mental and social deprivation in the final years of their lives. It shows by statistical studies and illustrative case histories that the basic cause is the survival into old age of people who are unfit to care for themselves, in such numbers that help from families, neighbours, the social services and the NHS is insufficient. From this study the expression the "geriatric giants" or the four I’s was coined: impairment of intellect (cerebral dysfunction), incontinence, immobility and instability (falls). The term ‘giant’ is seen to refer both to statistical frequency and to the huge personal burden of sufferers, escalating the need for socio-medical intervention. Prophetic in its predictions that the huge and complex social care problem would grow in the future much of this book remains relevant today.

Originally published in 1984 and concentrating on the West Midlands area of the UK, this book describes the innovations that were made and all that was involved in bringing about changes in care provision for elderly people. The areas covered include hospital-based geriatric and psychogeriatric services, changes in the public housing sector, the development of a domiciliary physiotherapy service and community nursing teams for the terminally ill. These new attitudes and practical treatment changes succeeded in radically altering the climate of care and were the result of small innovatory groups of care-providers.

Originally published in 1984 and concentrating on the West Midlands area of the UK, this book describes the innovations that were made and all that was involved in bringing about changes in care provision for elderly people. The areas covered include hospital-based geriatric and psychogeriatric services, changes in the public housing sector, the development of a domiciliary physiotherapy service and community nursing teams for the terminally ill. These new attitudes and practical treatment changes succeeded in radically altering the climate of care and were the result of small innovatory groups of care-providers.

Originally published in 1979, this book explains why so many people suffer behavioural changes in later life; how this affects those around them; the services that exist to assist older people and those who work with them and how such services can be profitably used. A recurring theme is the interaction of the different varieties of mental illness with one another and with physical, emotional, social and personality factors. The book provides detailed guidance for social workers caring for the elderly on such topics as how an assessment of a mentally disturbed older person can be made; procedure for removal from home under a court order and compulsory admission to hospital; ways of communicating with elderly people and gauging the needs of relatives and carers.