DEVELOPMENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF GROUP LIVING IN SWEDEN - A NEW MODE OF CARE FOR THE DEMENTED ELDERLY

The process of developing a new mode of care for the demented elderly, group living (GL), is evaluated and the consequences discussed. The i ncreasing proportion of very old persons in Sweden means a higher prev alence of dementia. The majority of patients in traditional institutio nal long term care show cognitive deterioration. An insufficient carin g situation, both in quantity and quality has long been observed. This , and a better knowledge and understanding of dementing diseases, thei r symptoms and consequences, has been the impetus to develop an altern ative care model, group living (GL), for well defined groups of dement ed elderly. The concept of GL discussed here means a setting strictly adapted to the abilities and psychosocial needs of moderately diseased Alzheimer and vascular demented patients. Security, integrity promoti ng therapy and activation are specially stressed. The importance of in forming and educating different kinds of actors simultaneously to stru ctural changes in social and physical patterns within the implementati on of the new concept is illustrated.