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.