Mentally ill older people are mainly cared for and looked after at home by their relatives. Mental illnesses in old age include Brain disorders, e.g. Alzheimer's-type dementia, depression, delusions, alcohol and drug addiction. Dementia, for example, is one of the greatest social and health policy challenges of our time. Due to demographic developments, it is certain that a significant increase in the number of illnesses is to be expected.

Since October 1, 2006, the health department, in cooperation with various independent providers, has been offering all citizens of Salzgitter a local counseling service. Here, relatives are informed about the changes caused by the illness, about diagnostic and therapeutic options, specific support services and financial issues. They receive advice on how to deal with the change in behavior and advice on conflicts with the person being cared for.

The advice is provided by employees with specialist gerontological qualifications. In Salzgitter, the initial consultation is always free of charge; a small fee of just EUR 5 is charged for follow-up consultations.

• Appointments for counseling in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Thiede can be arranged by calling 05341 / 846713, provider: Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Salzgitter.
• Appointments for consultations in Salzgitter-Bad can be arranged by calling 05341 / 816722, provider: Mütterzentrum Salzgitter.
• Appointments for counseling in Braunschweig can be arranged by calling 0531 / 2565740, provider: ambet e.V.

Family caregivers are often overwhelmed with outpatient care and support, especially for people with severe dementia, due to changing family structures and the increasing demands of the illness. In Salzgitter, a geriatric psychiatric care home, Haus Amalia in Lebenstedt, offers inpatient care and short-term care places.