[Ambulatory care of psychiatrically changed elderly patients]

Based on an empirical study in Berlin, we will attempt to answer the question of whether centers for ambulant health and social services provide adequate care for old people who are mentally disturbed. It is shown that this special group of patients already amounts to more than 40% of the services' clients. Although the client is usually referred to the center because of physical illness, psychological problems will have to be taken into consideration by the nurse. This is already happening in part, and it is possible to discriminate special psychogeriatric categories of care. As a rule, however, the quality and quantity of care given are not sufficient. In a pilot study, positive effects have been achieved by recruiting specialized staff. Additionally, cooperation with other services, concerning the psychological problems of the patient, should be improved.