Introduction

Social issues influence an elderly person's risk and experience of illness as well as a health care practitioner's ability to deliver timely and appropriate care.

A social history helps members of the interdisciplinary team evaluate care needs and social supports. Questions should be asked about marital or companion status, living arrangements, financial status, work history, education, and caregiving responsibilities. Because health interventions may interfere with caregiving responsibilities, patients with caregiving roles may be reluctant to report their own symptoms. Similarly, availability of caregivers influences care planning. Questions about typical daily activities can provide useful information, including how meals are prepared, what activities add meaning to life, and where problems may be occurring.