C. Wachtler et al., 15 YEARS OF DAY HOSPITAL TREATMENT FOR PS YCHO-GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN THE FEDERAL-REPUBLIC-OF-GERMANY, Psychiatrische Praxis, 21(4), 1994, pp. 139-142
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.