The health of elderly residents in long term care institutions in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the morbidity of residents in long term care institutions in Hamilton, New Zealand and examine the prescribing practice within these institutions.


METHODS
One hundred residents were selected at random from the total population of residents in long-term institutions in Hamilton. Residents were examined by a physician to arrive at ICD-9 diagnoses and details were recorded about prescribing practice.


RESULTS
Eighty residents were examined. Of these, 73% had dementia. Forty-five per cent were diagnosed as having heart failure and 44% cerebrovascular disease. The most common previously undiagnosed disorder was postural hypotension (24%). Residents were prescribed an average of 4.5 non-psychotropic medications. Seventy-seven per cent of residents were prescribed three or more medications.


CONCLUSIONS
Elderly residents in long term care institutions in Hamilton have complex health care needs which offer particular challenges for doctors and other health care workers. Regular health care reviews could lead to more accurate diagnosis and better prescribing practice.
Butler
R
R
Mental Hospital for the Elderly, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.
Fonseka
S
S
Barclay
L
L
Sembhi
S
S
Wells
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity