[Functional level among patients living permanently in nursing homes. Changes between 1984-1991]

Measurements of nursing load score, which imply weighting the performance of everyday activities, were performed once a year between 1984 and 1991 for all permanent residents at Fyllingsdalen nursing home. The nursing load score was higher for women than for men and for demented than non-demented residents. Dementia was significantly associated with impaired ability to perform most everyday activities. During the observation period the number of patients needing help in dressing, for personal hygiene and to go to the toilet increased, as did the number of residents with faecal incontinence. The number of patients who were independently mobile increased; an increase explained by the rising number of demented residents. Improved municipal services at home have enabled frail elderly to remain longer in their own homes. As a consequence, patients admitted permanently to a nursing home will be more impaired than has been the case before. In particular, the number of demented patients, with their special needs, has increased. Sheltered units for demented persons will partly meet the needs of this group of patients, but better staffing is a necessity if a safe care is to be provided.