Discontinuation of a Psychogeriatric Program for Nursing Home Residents: Psychotropic Medication Changes and Behavioral Reactions

Abstract

Changes in medications and behavior were recorded for residents of three nursing homes where a psychogeriatric rehabilitative program was either absent, maintained, or discontinued. Residents without the program received the greatest number of psychotropics. Discontinuation of the program was associated with two problems: (a) fewer reductions in medications and (b) more behavioral difficulties among clients with medication increases. The nursing home with continuous services was the only one where all types of medication changes were followed by an overall decrease in behavior problems or no problems at all.