[Integrated program of psychogeriatric care]

At the present time there is considerable controversy over the course to follow in attention to patients with psychogeriatric disorders. Rapid diagnosis and maintaining the patients in their homes are the basic objectives of the policy of sharing responsibility among those involved.

We review the bibliography and suggest a form of attention based on experience acquired in the dementia evaluation unit of the Programme Vida als Anys of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The model described is based on making the diagnosis in the patient's home, giving support to the family and integrating the patient into a follow-up unit, with a person responsible for evaluating and resolving the needs of both patient and family as they arise. In order to carry out this programme, the attention must be given by multidiscliplinary units with the necessary resources.