Geriatric outpatient rehabilitation: current status and future perspectives in Germany

Clinical geriatrics in Germany has evolved remarkably since 1990, when first concepts had been developed for establishing structures and facilities for the ambulatory rehabilitation of geriatric patients. However, achievements during the last 10 years were made only for inpatient geriatrics and geriatric day clinics. Geriatric outpatient rehabilitation (GOR) is still a "missing link" in the networked care for elderly patients in Germany and remains until today in a planning phase. The article is aimed at describing the current organisational status of geriatric rehabilitation in Germany and focuses on the question of where and how to fit in geriatric outpatient rehabilitation. Distinction criteria between the different types of geriatric rehabilitation as well as indications, goals, and organisational aspects of GOR are discussed.