Residents' functioning and staff perceptions of 'ease of management' in two types of old peoples' homes

Two hundred and forty-five residents in six old peoples' homes of different types were assessed for level of confusion, behavioural disturbance and whether they were most or least difficult to manage. Results show that: Residents in non-unit homes differ from those in unit establishments studied in being significantly more confused and behaviourally disturbed. EMI residents are more confused than non-EMI. Behaviourally, the two groups do not differ significantly. In the non-unit homes only, the cognitive and behavioural measures used in this study clearly distinguish 'difficult' residents from 'easy' ones. The significance of these findings is discussed.