[Study on the influence of group living environment on demented ill people in inpatient facilities].

Residential groups of twelve or fifteen persons with various levels of dementia have been established in three nursing homes in Nordrhein-Westfalen. A group comparing analysis was made three times every six months to research social behavior, frame of mind, progress of dementia and of physical independence. As a result, a considerable influence of the environmental residential groups was demonstrated upon social behavior and frame of mind of the habitants. On the other hand, the progressive course of dementia as well as the decrease of physical independence could not be stopped. However, within the residential groups all cognical and physical loss was more moderated compared to other studies.