Hilltop Lodge: an evaluation of the first fifteen months of the CADE unit, Tamworth.

Hilltop Lodge is a 16-bed unit in the grounds of Tamworth Base Hospital in Northern New South Wales, designed for the care of the confused and demented elderly (CADE). We present the results of an audit of the first 15 months of its operation performed by evaluating the course of 12 long-stay patients admitted to the unit. We found that although disruptive behavioural problems decreased and sociability improved, only minimal changes occurred in self-help skills and confusion levels. The unit also provided respite care for the temporary care of similar patients; there were major advantages and disadvantages noted, particularly in the functioning of the unit.