[Therapeutic travel with patients in a gerontopsychiatric polyclinic]

In order to look into the problem of social isolation of mentally ill old people, we organized a 3-week trip for 19 patients, most of them depressive, of a psychogeriatric outpatient clinic. The group was professionally supervised by a team of four therapists. Patients were selected in accordance with the following main therapeutic goals: -Physical and mental stimulation through exposure to new impressions, -Promotion of social behaviour, -Opportunities for new interpersonal contacts, -Motivation for further individual travel activities, -Relaxation. Preparations comprised an interview and six group contacts. Four additional group meetings were held afterwards. The results of the trip were assessed by means of ratings made by the patients themselves and by the staff.