A retrospective study of functional ability among people with dementia when admitted to group-dwelling

Objective - To describe functional ability among people with dementia when admitted to group-dwelling (GD) during different time periods, and the prob ability of their remaining in these units for the rest of their lives. Design - Retrospective study of functional ability and likelihood of stayin g in GD. Setting - Thirteen GD units in the Sundsvall region, Sweden. Subjects - One-hundred-and-forty-two demented people admitted to GD in the period 1986-1996. Main outcome measures - Ability to manage personal care and somatic and psy chiatric status were measured with the use of a rating scale. Result - On comparing people over the years, a significant increase was fou nd in the need of assistance to manage everyday life on admission to GD. Th e Likelihood of living the rest of life in GD has increased over time. Conclusions - Increasing dependency and increasing probability of remaining in GD may influence the intention of GD as a unique way of caring for peop le with dementia. It is crucial to consider these changes in order to encou rage the development of GD.