[The "Soft Approach": a program of rehabilitation of chronically mentally ill elderly patients]

The authors report on "The Soft Approach", a program for chronic mentally ill elderly patients, which they have implemented in a gero-psychiatric unit in New York City. Using a professional team, their approach treats the medical problems, and the various degrees of dementia encountered, in a positive and coordinated effort centered around daily recreational and socializing activities; these include off-ward events and outings away from the hospital. The goals of the program are increased independence and eventual community living. The importance of their medication regime is stressed with patients throughout the program.