[Residential communities for the elderly--a concept of a rehabilitative gerontopsychiatry]

The concept of a rehabilitative gerontopsychiatry is presented by describing an example of a flat-sharing community for elderly people in contrast to the conventional kind of help afforded in old people's homes. The practical setup and realisation of residential communities for the elderly are described. The focal point of chiefly rehabilitative gerontopsychiatry is seen in the maximum possible preservation of abilities and capacities which can help to overcome the disabilities--which, of course, must be carefully diagnosed beforehand.