International comparison of long-term care: the need for resident-level classification

Differences between long-term care facilities in Stockholm (1134 residents) and New York (95,000 residents statewide) were examined. The comparison employed a resident classification system, Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-II), which links individuals' characteristics to resource use. Distributions of Activity of Daily Living functionality and RUG-II categories demonstrated significant differences between these two populations, with the Stockholm facilities more akin to the heavier care skilled nursing facilities in New York. These differences may indicate different uses of long-term care beds in the United States and Sweden and demonstrate the need for resident-level classification systems in cross-national studies.