Many elderly patients have psychiatric and medical needs that are not met by the traditional care offered at state hospitals, acute psychiatric services, or nursing homes. At Garfield Geropsychiatric Hospital, a program of intensive evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment that emphasizes rehabilitation has been successful in maintaining or restoring independent functioning f or severely impaired geriatric patients. The program also beneflu the mental health system by reducing the inappropriate usc of state hospital andacute psychiatnc services, and by providing a fi rst important step toward a comprehensive network of mental health services for the elderly.
Abstract Teaser