A Comprehensive Treatment Program for Severely Impaired Geriatric Patients

Many elderly patients have psychiatric and medical needs that are not met by the traditional care offered at state hospitals, acute psychiatric services, or nursing homes. At Garfield Geropsychiatric Hospital, a program of intensive evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment that emphasizes rehabilitation has been successful in maintaining or restoring independent functioning f or severely impaired geriatric patients. The program also beneflu the mental health system by reducing the inappropriate usc of state hospital andacute psychiatnc services, and by providing a fi rst important step toward a comprehensive network of mental health services for the elderly.