Intermittent care for old patients--when should it be offered?

An inventory was made among 229 elderly individuals in out- and in-patient care, community care and social welfare. The aim was to investigate the patients' possibilities and interest for intermittent nursing home care in order to avoid or postpone permanent institutional care. The patients were assessed as to physical and mental health and social conditions. Intermittent care was thought to be appropriate for 81 of these patients (35%). After an interview of the patients and cohabiting relatives, 21 patients (9%), mainly out-patients, took a positive interest in this form of care. The in-patients were mostly too ill, and patients in community care found intermittent care interesting but were not prepared for this form of rehabilitation and preferred to wait despite risk of acute deterioration. The most suitable and interested patients and relatives were found among those in day hospital and those on the waiting list for geriatric care.