Care of the elderly in north and west Belfast

A survey of all elderly people aged 65 years and over from North and West Belfast receiving long-term care in residential and nursing homes, and in psycho-geriatric and geriatric care was undertaken. A total of 967 subjects was studied and physical dependency and mental impairment documented. The high dependency of residents in geriatric and psycho-geriatric care was highlighted, with greater levels of dependency than among those receiving nursing home care. Professional assessment prior to admission should be common to all long-term care facilities and is essential if services for the projected demographic increase in numbers of very elderly people are to be provided, and inappropriate admission and expenditure avoided.