The geriatric worker in a community-based out-patient geropsychiatry clinic: a conceptual model

This paper describes the role of the geriatric worker as a member of the service provider team in a community-based geropsychiatry out-patient program using the bio-psycho-social model. Three major components are identified: the functional role, the affective role, and the community-integrative role. The contribution of the worker is shown to be significant in the attainment of the goal of outpatient geropsychiatry: that being the resocialization and maintenance of the elderly person with special needs in the community.