Psychiatric morbidity among ‘ABLE’ residents of part III homes

Abstract One hundred and thirty residents of 11 Part III homes who had been in care for a year or more and had no cognitive impairment as assessed by the Crichton Royal Behavioural Rating Scale were investigated using the Clinical Interview Schedule, the 10‐question Mental Test Score and standardized schedules for aphasia and parietal lobe function. Thirty per cent showed signs of early dementia; mild to moderate neurotic symptoms were common among the remainder. Ten per cent had longstanding impairment of intellect or personality or were schizophrenic. Less than 15% warranted a diagnosis of neuritic depression or anxiety. Most of this psychopathology was regarded as ‘normal’ by senior staff. Relatively well‐preserved ‘clients’ presenting as ‘in need of care’ should receive particularly careful attention when formal assessment is reintroduced as a requirement before placement into rest homes at public expense. Those failing because of mild/moderate dementia are likely to benefit from admission while others may find life in care frustrating and depressing.