[Recognizing the role of personality disorders in problem behavior of elderly residents in nursing home and homecare.]

Abstract

Problem behavior is frequently present in older people living in nursing homes or needing home care services. When Personality disorders or maladaptive traits are involved these older people need specific care. In addition, they and their carers might experience psychological suffering as their behavior is not always properly recognized as the result of their personality. The importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, the role of psychiatric consultation given by an elderly psychiatrist as well as the need for upgrading the knowhow within the care sector itself is discussed using 2 vignettes.