GROUP HOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA - A SWEDISH EXAMPLE

We describe the development and evaluation of group homes for dementia patients in Sweden. Group homes have been established on a social mod el of care to provide a better quality of life than in institutional s ettings, while making a small savings on cost. An enriched program of activities uses familiar, everyday household tasks, with staff trained to model appropriate behaviors. An evaluation of four homes indicated that residents could be well accommodated in the setting, even as the ir disabilities increased. Although there were some initial problems, staff satisfaction was high and turnover low.