The effect of care programmes on the dependency status of elderly residents in an extended care setting

This paper presents data gathered in an operational research project undertaken in a geriatric centre providing care for approximately 400 long-term residents. The centre supplies nursing, medical, paramedical, day hospital and home care services. Programmes of social and diversional activities are provided and residents are also visited by various community groups. However, the long-term residents participating in this project represent a section of the population unable to utilize or participate in the social and diversional programmes usually offered. The aim of the study was to determine whether the dependency status of residents receiving long-term care is affected by nursing and/or medical patterns of institutional management. The project was carried out in two stages: 1 a habit training toileting programme intended to improve continent status; 2 activity programmes at differing levels of intensity and specifically designed to increase mental, social and physical stimulation.