Impact of Psychogeriatric Day Hospital Care on the Patient's Family

The supporters of 129 patients referred for psychogeriatric day hospital care were interviewed and followed-up after three and six months. The majority of their dependents suffered from dementia. Thirty-one per cent were still attending six months later, while 37% had been admitted to institutional care. The most positive effects of day hospital were associated with continued patient attendance, the number of distinct advantages foreseen by the supporter, and the lack of any negative expectations concerning their dependents' adjustment to day care. Positive benefits were also closely associated with reductions in the number of problems faced by the supporter.