Utilizing rating instruments for evaluating behavioral characteristics differentiating elderly patients selected for skilled nursing, intermediate, and psychiatric care.

This study examined behavioral characteristics distinguishing psychiatric geriatric patients requiring alternative levels of care. Multiple behavior rating scales were administered to 389 elderly patients, concurrent with, but independent from, placement decisions of a clinical team. A discriminant function analysis revealed loadings on care needed, activities of daily living, and disorientation as factors discriminating skilled nursing from intermediate care patients. Orthogonal function loadings characterized psychiatric patients as having poorer communication skills, being less cooperative, manifesting greater psychopathology, and showing more seclusiveness. Further analysis provided by a cross-validation study support the utility of behavior rating scales for simulating outcome actions of decision makers.