Health characteristics of elderly residents in personal care homes. Dementia, possible early dementia, and no dementia.

Personal care homes are becoming an integral part of the gerontological health care environment. This exploratory descriptive study compares the health characteristics of elderly personal care home residents without dementia or cognitive impairment, residents with possible early dementia, and residents with dementia. Results indicate a number of residents with possible early dementia, but without a diagnosis of dementia, may be residing in personal care homes. Additionally, the three groups may have distinctly different service needs. Residents with dementia were particularly at risk for problems with decision-making, communication, and impaired instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Medication management for residents with dementia emerged as a particular concern. Most physical health characteristics, such as health care usage, were not significantly different in the three groups. Suggestions for strategies to promote the health and well-being of this growing population are discussed.