A Touch of Class? A Case Study of Geriatric Screening Process

That the poor, elderly and other “socially undesirable” people are at excessive risk of being sent to mental hospitals has been documented by a variety of studies. Once labelled, the person is likely to be almost automatically admitted. When specific screening criteria for admission are introduced to reduce inappropriate admissions, however, admission itself can no longer be automatic, for not everyone can be admitted. The present study suggests that, on one geriatric service, the relative repute of the potential mental patient is a decisive factor in his admission. Specifically, at an institution where the program is highly regarded by professional staff, patients with characteristics similar to the examiner are admitted, those dissimilar are rejected. The implications of this for control of persons needing mental health care are discussed.