15 YEARS OF DAY HOSPITAL TREATMENT FOR PS YCHO-GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN THE FEDERAL-REPUBLIC-OF-GERMANY

Day hospital treatment for psycho-geriatric patients in the Federal Re public of Germany started in 1976. At present (October 1991) 13 psycho -geriatric day hospitals are established. The day hospitals offer a wi de range of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Though they are exp ected to be of great importance especially for the elderly, day hospit als don't play a significant part within the care system for psycho-ge riatric patients in Germany. It seems to be recommendable, to establis h more psycho-geriatric day hospitals, especially together with an out -patient department and an information centre (''Geronto-psychiatrisch es Zentrum''). In addition the care system should be supplied with day centres, in particular for those patients suffering from chronic para noid psychosis or dementia; the medical care of out-patients should be improved. Besides that the efficacy of day hospital treatment for psy cho-geriatric patients should be evaluated.