Institutional care of dementia patients: A state-wide survey of long-term care facilities and special care units

Abstract

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.