Geriatric Evaluation and Rehabilitation Unit (GERU) for dementia: A model for the care of demented patients? [L'Istituto di Riabilitazione Geriatrica (IDRG): Un modello clinico-assistenziale per le demenze?]

Objectives: This study proposes a model of treatment which offers a good quality of assistance to elderly patients suffering from a moderate-severe degree of cognitive degeneration resulting in behavioural disturbances and disabilities arising from acute illnesses or resurgence of chronic illnesses. Methods: Research was carried out on 412 patients (average age 80.4 ± 7.1years, 66.3% female) admitted to a ward of geriatric rehabilitation for dementia-related problems (the IDR Alzheimer, Centro Medico Richiedei, in Palazzolo sul Oglio, Brescia, Italy) during the first two and a half years of its activity. Some of these patients (N = 125) were re-examined six months after discharge. Results: The study included a period of 30 months, starting in November 2001, during which the following topics were taken into consideration: setting, training, objectives, outcome and organization. The outcome were established after definition of the objectives. Specific instruments were utilized in the evaluation of cognition, behaviour, daily activities, motor function and comorbility. Conclusions: Data confirm that the development of a new model of treatment for patients suffering from dementia, such as that offered by a Rehabilitation Unit, is a process that requires time. The research helps to understand the methodological problems, offering some suggestions for possible solutions and future initiatives.