Cost-benefit analysis of a behavioral program for geriatric inpatients.

A behaviorally oriented treatment program was developed for geriatric patients at a state psychiatric hospital, in an attempt to demonstrate that active treatment for the elderly can be both socially beneficial and economically wise. Outcome data indicated that the program was successful in decreasing the average length of hospital stay, decreasing the percentage of patients discharged to more dependent living settings than those from which they were admitted, and increasing placements to independent living settings. An economic analysis demonstrated benefit-to-cost ratios of between ten and 20 to one, depending on assumptions used. The authors believe that ratios were especially encouraging as they were calculated using conservative assumptions.