[Tasks and functions of the home for the aged]

In the report: Task and function of the service-home (advice of the central committee on residential homes for the elderly with regard to task and function, february 1980) this home is defined as one of the services covered by the legal concept residence for the elderly. The need for care is not sharply definable, because of its individual character. Due to this strong individual exponent the service-home should offer a supporting living environment, in which mental and social aspects, and material care receive equal attention. The commitee does not pay sufficient attention to the home as a new living environment. A full-time pastoral caregiver is recommended, for the general service-homes as well. On the other hand a medical advisor with clear task-descriptions is found as a necessity by the committee. A clear-cut description regarding several other institutionalized services is not given. Nor is the cooperation between services discussed. The special value of the report is its contribution of ideas for further reflection.