[The gerontopsychiatric team in the specialized department]

People 65 years and older constitute a group with high risk for psychiatric disease, and their numbers are increasing. At the same time familial networks and financial resources are weakening. In order to improve psycho-geriatric therapy, we developed teamwork within our department. In the present work we describe the psycho-geriatric ward and the special functions of team members. It seems to be important that there are enough staff members who are well trained and motivated; it should be guaranteed that members regularly meet in conferences and have regular supervision; work hours should be favorable. Team process is described as consisting of imaging a comprehensive idea of the personality and the problems of the patient; agreeing on a therapeutic proceeding and-as a result-translating into action. Finally, it focuses on the necessity for further development and research.