[Disturbed elderly patients in psychiatric hospitals]

Abstract

There are few active psychogeriatric units in Israel. We studied several demographic characteristics, source of referral, psychiatric diagnosis, physical characteristics, length of hospital stay, and discharge referral in 214 disturbed patients over the age of 65. They were admitted for psychiatric hospitalization during 1993 and were relatively well physically, their diagnoses were heterogenous, and length of hospital stay was slightly less than the national average. Most were admitted from and discharged back to the community. These data should dissipate prevailing fears and prejudices regarding admission of elderly patients to psychiatric hospitals. More active psychogeriatric units are needed for the specific needs of this population.