The purpose of this article is to describe the role and foci of care of the geropsychiatric clinical nurse specialist (GCNS) through a case example representative of the aged mentally ill who receive care at home. A historical look at the evolution of home health care of mentally ill elderly reveals the recognition of need in these persons as early as the 1960s. As the aged popu lation increases and grows older there is a critical need for health care professionals who are educated in gerontology as well as psychiatry, and the GCNS is that key professional. Key words: geropsychiatric clinical nurse specialist, home health care
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