asked the Minister for Health the number of geriatric patients in mental hospitals; and if he is satisfied that the practice of admitting geriatric patients to mental hospitals is justified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation of Geriatric Patients.
32.
I have not got the number sought by the Deputy.
I am advised that, in general, elderly patients admitted to psychiatric institutions have a psychiatric condition. It would be exceptional to admit an old person simply because of physical infirmity and this is done only in urgent circumstances where accommodation in a more appropriate institution is not available. As services for the aged, including the provision of more places in welfare homes, are extended the need for admissions of this sort to mental hospitals will cease. I would like to add that some mental hospitals have already found it possible to discharge suitable patients to homes for the old and I hope that the number of such discharges will increase.