Abstract
The effects of environmental change on the dependency levels of a group of psychogeriatric patients were determined by a simple, brief activities of daily living (BADL) measure. The patients were relocated from old wards with very cramped facilities to refurbished wards with a purpose-built day room. The dependency levels were measured by the BADL assessment on five separate occasions to coincide with the ward relocation. Results showed little change overall during the study period, although specific activities were found to vary according to the ward relocation. The BADL measure demonstrated some evidence for validity and good reliability and, from experience gained from its use in this study, may be suitable for repeated administration to assess changes in ward environment, clinical management and the general progress of elderly patients.
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