[Care of chronically ill geriatric patients by the participation of family members].

The increasing number of elderly sharply increases the need for patient care. Family members of elderly patients are often unable to care for their relatives. Institutionalised care is more apt to satisfy the physical needs of the chronically ill elderly patients. The national research program 8 addresses this question The project "Family Care Unit" investigates how many hospitalised chronically ill elderly patients still have relatives who could participate in the care of the hospitalised patients on a part time basis and under professional guidance. A representative sample of patients in acute- and geriatric clinics of the city of Basle are evaluated. The interview records social, demographic and psychological aspects. Furthermore the work situation of the relatives (work compensation, financial compensation) will be carefully evaluated. The duration of the evaluation is scheduled to take about two years. The result will allow the decision wether such a pilot Family Care Unit is feasible. The advantage of such a approach is beside the economic aspects a more efficient integration of relatives in the care of chronically ill elderly without unbearable disruption of the social network of the participating family member.