RESUMO
The authors evaluated participation in activity programs in a prospective study of 198 new nursing home admissions. Both on admission and after 1 year, approximately 50% of patients were not participating in activities. Nonparticipation was associated with greater cognitive and functional impairment and the use of restraints and neuroleptics. Over the year, activity status changed for approximately 50% of patients in relation to these factors. These findings indicate current limitations in nursing home activity programs and suggest that participation is a dynamic process influenced by identifiable clinical variables. Revision of activity programs is necessary to meet OBRA regulations to improve the quality of patients' lives.
RESUMO
The authors interviewed the families of 420 nursing home admissions to examine the relationship between patients' need for nursing and mental health services and their use of these services prior to nursing home placement. Although the majority of demented and nondemented patients needed help with activities of daily living, and many needed help with behavioral disorders, fewer than one-third of the families of these patients used community nursing and mental health services for these problems. Increased awareness of the potential value of and improved access to these services may postpone or prevent nursing home placement.
