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A retrospective study of functional ability among people with dementia when admitted to group-dwelling
K G Norbergh1, G Nordahl, P O Sandman
1Department of Caring Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.
Objective:
To describe functional ability among people with dementia when admitted to group-dwelling (GD) during different time periods, and the probability of their remaining in these units for the rest of their lives.
Design:
Retrospective study of functional ability and likelihood of staying 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 psychiatric status were measured with the use of a rating scale.
Result:
On comparing people over the years, a significant increase was found in the need of assistance to manage everyday life on admission to GD. The 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 people with dementia. It is crucial to consider these changes in order to encourage the development of GD.