Mental dysfunction: a clinical pilot project in the elderly

In recognizing that there will be an increase in the number of individuals with dementing illnesses well into the next century, the authors show how one institution is coping with this problem today. The authors outline an innovative approach to admission and discharge planning and monitoring of patients with irreversible dementias and behavioral problems. Nurses and other team members need a mechanism (ie, a flow chart) to monitor behavior and plot progress within an individualized program designed to meet the needs of dementia patients.