Practical geriatrics: psychiatric consultation to nursing homes.

Abstract

Patients seen in psychiatric practice in nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, differ from those seen in mainstream psychiatry in several ways. First, the practitioner sees patients who have medical as well as psychiatric problems. Second, after the initial diagnostic evaluation, patients generally have infrequent visits with the practitioner. Third, patients are more likely to have impaired judgment and impaired communication skills. Finally, patients have experienced relocation from their personal residence.