Rehabilitation of conditions associated with old age.

Rehabilitation of the elderly is largely concerned with the management of degenerative disorders and is often complicated by multiple pathology, low expectations (by staff rather than the patient) and social inadequacies. Rehabilitation offers a potential for the management of falls by environmental control and balance training. Other conditions common in the elderly, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, lower limb amputation, pressure sores, and fracture of the femur, also respond to rehabilitation techniques. In addition to these conditions the management of the demented long-stay patient is discussed.