PLACEMENT OF DEMENTIA SUFFERERS IN RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING-HOME CARE

Background: few UK studies have examined the associations of residenti al or nursing home placement in dementia sufferers. Method: 124 patien ts with mild to moderate dementia (according to the Diagnostic and Sta tistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition, revised) and in co ntact with clinical services were evaluated with a detailed standardiz ed assessment and followed-up at monthly intervals for 1 year. Results : 25 (21.6%) of the 116 patients living at home were admitted to resid ential or nursing home care during the follow-up pear. institutional p lacement was associated with greater severity of cognitive impairment, severity of parkinsonism and the failure of carers to adopt active co ping strategies. Conclusion: an intervention to improve coping skills in carers may decrease the rates of residential and nursing home place ment.