Evaluation of an emergency medical services-based social services referral program for elderly patients.

Objective: To describe the preliminary experience of an emergency medical services (EMS)-based follow-up program providing elderly patients access to community-based social services.

Methods: This was a retrospective, case series report. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 60 years and older requesting EMS for fall or lift assist; against medical advice (AMA) refusal of transport for a medical complaint; any social service or home care needs; request for nonmedical transportation; multiple prior EMS visits; or cases of elder abuse or neglect.