Reviews of the Geriatric Literature

Abstract

Effects of Residence in Alzheimer Disease Special Care Units on Functional Outcomes. Phillips C, Sloane P, Hawes C, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association 278:1340–1344; 1997RATIONALE: To assess the impact of Alzheimer's Special Care Units (SCUs) on the rates at which residents decline in functional status.METHODOLOGY: Utilizing information collected as part of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) in four states (Kansas, Mississippi, Maine, South Dakota), the authors followed functional decline in a group of residents in special care units and compared these findings with traditional care provided in facilities with SCUs as well as non‐SCU facilities. Complete MDS assessments are performed at the time of admission and annually and are followed by quarterly assessment reviews.RESULTS: Residents in SCUs were younger, had more impaired decision‐making abilities, and were less impaired in physical functioning than non‐SCU residents. No statistically significant difference was observed in the amount of decline for residents in SCUs compared with non‐SCU residents in any of the nine outcomes studied (locomotion, transferring, toileting, eating, dressing, summary of activities of daily living (ADLs), urinary and bowel continence, and significant weight loss).CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate that residence in a special care unit slowed the rate of decline in functional status or weight.