ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION@#Elderly persons who live alone are more likely to be socially isolated and at increased risk of adverse health outcomes, unnecessary hospital re-admissions and premature mortality. We aimed to understand the health-seeking behaviour of elderly persons living alone in public rental housing in Singapore.@*METHODS@#In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured question guide. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was reached. Qualitative data collected was analysed using manual thematic coding methods.@*RESULTS@#Data analysis revealed five major themes: accessibility of healthcare services and financial assistance schemes; perceived high cost of care; self-management; self-reliance; and mismatch between perceived needs and services.@*CONCLUSION@#Elderly persons living in one-room rental flats are a resilient and resourceful group that values self-reliance and independence. Most of the elderly who live alone develop self-coping mechanisms to meet their healthcare needs rather than seek formal medical consultation. The insightful findings from this study should be taken into consideration when models of healthcare delivery are being reviewed and designed so as to support the disadvantaged elderly living alone.
ABSTRACT
Infections in the elderly are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing infections in the elderly is challenging due to their atypical and subtle presentation. A high index of suspicion is often needed. Commonly encountered infections in the elderly include bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis and Herpes zoster. In addition, institutionalised elderly and those with multiple hospital admissions are at risk of infection with Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MROs); this can be difficult to manage. The purpose of this article is to look at some common infections in the elderly encountered in the home or nursing home, and review their management.