Specialized dementia programs in residential care settings

The authors conducted a telephone survey in 7 states to determine the prevalence of residential care specialized dementia programs (RC-SDPs) and to identify a sample of homes (n = 56) for more detailed study. The 56 homes were site visited, and data were gathered on facility administration, therapeutic environment, and characteristics of 259 randomly selected residents. Comparison data from 138 nursing home Special Care Units (NH-SCUs) and 1,340 of their residents were obtained from 4 studies conducted in the same 7 states. RC-SDPs were smaller, provided a more homelike environment, and had a higher proportion of residents paying privately, compared with NH-SCUs. Mean levels of cognitive and physical impairment among residents were higher in NH-SCUs; prevalences of psychotropic medication use and problem behaviors were similar. Among RC facilities, small homes were more homelike, provided fewer structured activities, and charged less than larger facilities. RC-SDPs include 5 types: small, independently operated homes; multiple small homes with joint administration; larger, all-dementia facilities; SDPs operated within larger, exclusively RC facilities; and RC-SDPs in multilevel facilities.