The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and quality of diabetic care in residential and nursing homes. A postal survey.
OBJECTIVE
to investigate the prevalence of known diabetes mellitus in care homes and the patterns of diabetes care in these institutions.


METHODS
a postal questionnaire sent to all 98 care homes in Sheffield.


RESULTS
70 care homes (71%) returned the questionnaire, indicating that 233 (8.8%) of 2648 residents were known to have diabetes. Of these, 76 (33%) were treated with diet alone, 105 (45%) with diet plus oral medication and 52 (22%) with insulin. Only seven registered nurses (2%) in the homes had certified diabetes training. Forty-two homes (60%) did not carry out a structured, diabetes-related assessment of residents on entry and only 29 (42%) had regular review of diabetic residents by a general practitioner or practice nurse. Most homes (89%) were visited by an optician, 56 (80%) also had a regular chiropody service, although 32 (46%) of these charged their residents for this service.


CONCLUSIONS
the known prevalence of diabetes is similar to that reported previously. This study highlights the need for structured care with defined standards for care-home residents with diabetes.
Taylor
C D
CD
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Hendra
T J
TJ
D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires