Warm sympathy and human understanding are powerful instruments in helping mental health patients; this is the inherent message of this film. This documentary is focused primarily on the relationship between two people: an elderly man who cannot feed himself and will not respond when approached, and a psychiatric aide (attendant) who refused to be discouraged even though help for the patient seems hopeless. Genuine suspense is achieved as the aide, with infinite patience and honest compassion, wins the confidence of the patient. The team approach of the hospital staff and glimpses of ward life and hospital routine are shown. The importance of the aide in hospital treatment is emphasized. Film shot at Fairfield State Hospital, Newton, Connecticut.

Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9201035A

Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collectio...
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