[Use of family therapy knowledge in gerontopsychiatry as a part of comprehensive treatment]

The geronto-psychiatric departments of the Klinik Schlössli are run on the principles of milieu therapy. The family therapeutic approach brought additional points of emphasis: the patient, although committed to a hospital, still belongs to a family; the hospitalized patient too is a member of the society. As a consequence of this approach, the family interview is used to serve the wellbeing of the entire family. Patient as well as relatives are prepared for the hospitalization, guilt feelings are dealt with, family problems worked through, new life phases for patient and relatives are planned. Possibilities for strengthening the family's relation with patient as well as institution are discussed, practical help initiated to relieve special pressures; even marital problems of the old couple are addressed. The hospital has developed definite admission procedures: After an initial visit by family members in the hospital, the patient is visited by collaborators of the institution. Following this or immediately after admission, a family interview takes place. Additional meetings with the family or part of it follow if indicated.