THE PSYCHO-GERIATRIC TEAM IN A SPECIALIZE D DEPARTMENT

People 65 years and older constitute a group with high risk for psychi atric diseases, and their numbers are increasing. At the same time fam ilial networks and financial resources are weakening. In order to impr ove psyche-geriatric therapy, we developed teamwork within our departm ent. In the present work we describe the psyche-geriatric ward and the special functions of team members. It seems to be important that ther e are enough staff members who are well trained and motivated; it shou ld be guaranteed that members regularly meet in conferences and have r egular supervision; work hours should be favorable. Team process is de scribed as consisting of imaging a comprehensive idea of the personali ty and the problems of the patient; agreeing on a therapeutic proceedi ng and - as a result - translating into action. Finally, it focusses o n the necessity for further development and research.