The rationale of patient allocation for psychogeriatric assessment

Our review of 100 patients using the Camdex and Crichton assessment schedules shows that the severity of illness and degree of dependency are similar in day hospital and impatient assessment groups. The main predictors of allocation for inpatient assessment and eventual placement in long‐stay geriatric wards were restlessness, irritability, the need for assistance with self‐care and physical illness. More planning and resourcess need to be mobilized in the assessment of dementia patients and the treatment of problem behaviours.