[Gerontopsychiatric management in a university clinic]

The patients of the Heidelberg Section of Gerontopsychiatry in 1990 (99 persons aged between 52 and 97 years) were studied in respect to their social data, medical history, severity of illness, and extent of their need of nursing care. Of special interest was how they coped after release from the hospital. In comparison to a study performed in 1982/83, there were many more old and (especially physically) severely impaired patients. We also found an increased percentage of transferrals to nursing homes. The results are discussed with regard to gerontopsychiatric care in the Heidelberg area.