The implications of managing confused and disabled people in non-specialist residential homes for the elderly.

Local Authority residential homes for the elderly are caring for substantial proportions of physically disabled and mentally confused residents in non-specialist settings. The results of an intensive study of six homes caring for varying proportions of disabled and confused residents are summarized. The homes are compared in terms of staff training and attitudes, physical care of residents, social environment, and attitudes of residents. The authors suggest that a "mix" of residents can have advantages over segregation and that most homes can manage around 30% confused residents. If this is to be successful, attention should be given to staffing levels, staff training and the role of health service staff in residential homes.