The distribution of services to demented elderly people living in the community

One hundred and sixty demented, community‐resident elderly people were identified by means of a community survey. Subjects who lived alone received home helps and meals‐on‐wheels more often than those who lived with supporters but there were no differences between the two groups with respect to district nursing or day care. Services increased in line with the degree of mental infirmity and nearly all moderately and severely demented people who lived alone were known to at least one service. We suggest that the home help and meals‐on‐wheels services, as presently constituted, may have limited applicability to dependent old people who live with able‐bodied supporters. If services are to provide effective assistance, they may need to adapt their provision to the actual needs of elderly people and their relatives.