title: Homes for the elderly in Liguria.
abstract: A survey of 55 old people's homes in Liguria, a region in northern Italy, was carried out to investigate some social and demographic characteristics of the residents, their level of dependence and management. A total of 1666 residents was randomly selected and information was obtained from the records and from an interview with the care staff. Homes admitting only independent people were smaller than those admitting both dependent and independent people. Private homes tended to admit only independent people. The resident population showed relatively high geographical stability and a fair amount of outside support. Nearly half the residents were fully independent and 75% were prescribed at least one drug. 'Cerebroactive' drugs, psychotropic drugs, diuretics, and cardiac glycosides were extensively prescribed. Drug treatment was almost the only therapeutic intervention.
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D012494:Sampling Studies