Time for change-psychiatric morbidity in residential homes for the elderly

Previous studies of psychiatric morbidity in Local Authority Social Services Part III homes have shown high rates of depression and dementia. Our study of Part III homes in Leicester city shows higher rates and greater severity of dementia than these studies. Eighty‐two per cent were diagnosed as suffering from dementia to some degree and 53% showed severe levels of cognitive impairment and dependency. A rate of depression (17%) was found, lower than in previously reported studies. These results seem to reflect the changing role of Part III homes in service provision for the elderly population.