[Nursing needs among recipients of community health care].

BACKGROUND

We aimed at investigating whether disabled old people can get sufficient care in residential facilities for the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All residents in our community's care facilities for the elderly in 2001 were registered. Those living in their own homes with a substantial need for care were also registered. Burden of care was assessed by six items measuring activities of daily life and two items measuring cognitive decline.

RESULTS

309 persons were registered; mean age was 84. Those living in residential care facilities staffed 24 hours a day represented the highest average burden of care, though many elderly living in their own homes also need a great deal of care. In our community, the number of nursing home beds set aside for short-term stays has decreased from 24 to 11 over a eight-year period. The burden of care has increased since 1992 in nursing homes as well as in other residential care units.

INTERPRETATION

Group-dwelling unit staffed around the clock can be a good alternative to nursing homes for many demented patients. While a high number of such units have been built, the local authorities have found it increasingly difficult to provide a sufficient number of nursing home beds for short-term stays. Most changes observed can be related to the growing number of inhabitants above 80 years of age.