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INTERPRETATION : Group-dwelling unit staffed around the clock can be a good alternative to nursing homes for many demented patients. While a high number of such units have been built, the local authorities have found it increasingly difficult to provide a sufficient number of nursing home beds for short-term stays. Most changes observed can be related to the growing number of inhabitants above 80 years of age. RESULTS : 309 persons were registered; mean age was 84. Those living in residential care facilities staffed 24 hours a day represented the highest average burden of care, though many elderly living in their own homes also need a great deal of care. In our community, the number of nursing home beds set aside for short-term stays has decreased from 24 to 11 over a eight-year period. The burden of care has increased since 1992 in nursing homes as well as in other residential care units. MATERIALS AND METHODS : All residents in our community's care facilities for the elderly in 2001 were registered. Those living in their own homes with a substantial need for care were also registered. Burden of care was assessed by six items measuring activities of daily life and two items measuring cognitive decline. BACKGROUND : We aimed at investigating whether disabled old people can get sufficient care in residential facilities for the elderly.

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