A two-wave survey gathered information on dementia residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities in the State of Minnesota (76 percent response). Respondents reported that dementia patients represented more than half the total LTC population. Behavior management issues are the chief concern of respondents, but techniques for management are not well-developed. Fourteen percent of the respondents reported they had or planned special care units (SCU) for dementia patients. A sub-survey of these SCU indicated a lack of clarity and precision about diagnosis admission and discharge criteria. The need for evaluation of and standards for these SCU are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
1. Mortimer JA, Hepburn K, and Maletta GJ: Alzheimer's disease: the intersection of diagnosis, research, and long-term care. Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, Second Series, 1985;61(5):331-342
2.
2. Cross PS, and Gurland BJ: The epidemiology of dementing disorders. Contract report prepared for the Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress, 1986
3.
3. Brody EM, Lawton MP, and Liebowitz V: Senile dementia: Public policy and adequate institutional care. Am J Pub Health, 1984;74(12):1381-1383
4.
4. Hutton JT, Dippel RL, Loewenson RM, Mortimer JA, and Christians BL: Predictors of nursing home placement of patients with Alzheimer's disease, Texas Med, 1985;81:40-43
5.
5. Heyman A, Wilkinson WE, Hurwitz BJ, Helms MJ, Haynes, CS, Utley CM, and Gwyther LP: Early-onset Alzheimer's disease: Clinical predictors of institutionalization and death. Neurology, 1987;37(June):980-984
6.
6. Brody EM, Kleban MH, Moss MS, and Kleban F: Predictors of falls among institutionalized women with Alzheimer's disease. JAGS, 1984;32:877-882
7.
7. Sandman PO, Norberg A.Adolfsson R, Axelsson K, and Hedly V: Morning care of patients with Alzheimer-type dementia: A theoretical model based on direct observations. J of Advanced Nursing, 1986;11:369-378
8.
8. Katz MM: Behavioral change in the chronicity pattern of dementia in the institutional geriatric resident. JAGS, 1976;24(11):522-528
9.
9. Reever K, and Koerner J: Staff views of nursing home residents with dementia in Philadelphia. The Gerontologist, 1987;27(Special Issue):54A-54A
10.
10. Katz, ibid.
11.
11. Volicer L, Rheaume Y, Brown J, Fabiszewski K, and Brady R: Hospice approach to the treatment of patients with advanced dementia of the Alzheimer's type. JAMA, 1986;256(16):2210-2213
12.
12. Johnson JB: Chris Ridge Village a service continuum. Provider, 1986;12(5):32-34
13.
13. Rhodes F, and Houser G: Provider initiatives: Caring is the heart of the matter at ARA. Provider, 1986;12(5):28-31
14.
14. Wagner L: Nursing homes develop special Alzheimer's units. Modern healthcare, April 24, 1987:40-46
16. Peppard NR: Effective design of special care units. Provider, May, 1986:14-17
17.
17. Wilson RW, and Patterson MA: Planning and implementing a 30-bed unit for residents with mild to moderate dementia. Presented at XIIIth International Congress of Gerontology, New York, July, 1985
18.
18. Skolaski-Pellitteri T: Environmental adaptations which compensate for dementia. Phys & Occ Ther in Geriatrics, 1983;3(1):31-44
19.
19. Orr NK: Integrating care improves solutions. Provider, 1986;12(5):36-38
20.
20. Rango N: The nursing home resident with dementia: Clinical care, ethics, and policy implications. Ann Int Med, 1985;102:835-841
21.
21. Rabins PV: Establishing Alzheimer's disease units in nursing homes: Pros and cons. Hosp and Comm Psych, 1986;37(2):120-121
22.
22. Koff TH: Nursing home management of Alzheimer's disease: A plea for standards. Am J Alzheimer's Care, Summer, 1986;1: 12-15
23.
23. Hall G, Kirschling MV, and Todd S: Sheltered freedom-an Alzheimer's unit in an ICF. Geriatric Nursing, May/June, 1986:132-137
24.
24. Linsk NL, and Miller B: Assessment of activity, location, and interaction of an Alzheimer's disease family care unit. The Gerontology, 1986;26 (Special Issue):14A-14A
25.
25. Greene JA, Asp JL, and Crane N: Specialized management of the Alzheimer's disease patient: Does it make a difference?J Tenn Med Assn, 1985;78:559-563
26.
26. Volicer, ibid.
27.
27. Chafetz PK, and West HL: Longitudinal control group evaluation of a special care unit for dementia patients: Initial findings. The Gerontologist, 1987;27 (Special Issue):278A-278A
