ABSTRACT
The year 1999 was designated the International Year of Older Persons to recognize the importance and contribution of people aged 65 years and over. Not only are the numbers of older people increasing but they will live longer and be more active, healthier, and independent than ever before (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 1997). Although this concept of healthy aging does exist, frailty for some older adults cannot be ignored. Sometimes, in spite of medical treatment and their own determination, older people need to receive assistance and care. Because of concurrent trends in social, economic, and health policies, families are assuming more responsibility for the care of their older family members and now represent the primary source of long-term care for frail older people (AIHW, 1997; Blasinsky, 1998).
