[Profile of a geriatric department in a psychiatric hospital]

In 1967 a geriatric department was established at the psychiatric hospital 'Bloemendaal' in The Hague. It consists of two admission wards, two medium-stay wards and an out-patient department. The history, development, function and working methods are described, based on the figures of 1982. Admitted to the GAPZ: 289 patients, average age 79.4, female/male ratio 2 : 1. About 90% came from their own homes, half lived alone. Discharged from the GAPZ: 292 patients, about 50% needed long-stay psychogeriatric care. The variety and combinations of the mental and physical disorders are given. Social problems were often contributing factors, but were difficult to measure. The contacts with the geriatric services of the community mental health centers (RIAGG's), the procedures for admission and discharge and the problems of insufficient nursing-facilities for chronic patients, are discussed. The importance of the existence of a GAPZ with its out-patients facilities, is emphasized.