Scientific evidence has established the value of comprehensive geriatric assessment and management:

• A decline in function rarely results from aging alone; potentially reversible acute and chronic diseases often contribute to disability, decline in function and dependency.
• Illness may present in complex and atypical ways in older adults; these presentations are best managed by a team approach.
• The absence of assessment and treatment frequently result in a loss of function; timely assessment, treatment and rehabilitation may postpone or prevent readmission.
• In approximately one third of applications for facility admission, there are contributing factors which are unrecognized but potentially reversible and remediable.
• Inpatient geriatric assessment and rehabilitation units improve quality of life, physical performance and reduce the need for institutional care without increasing direct health care costs.
• Inpatient consultation teams increase the identification of unrecognized illness, reduce the number of inappropriate medications, and improve physical and mental performance.
• Outpatient geriatric clinics have been shown to improve health care utilization and reduce inappropriate admission to facilities.
• Clinical practice is improved by the influence of opinion leaders and continuing education programs.
• Education and health promotion strategies are effective tools in prevention of premature disability and loss of function.