Nursing homes

Nursing homes are facilities that offer direct nursing care 24 hours per day to individuals who are usually elderly, female and have a 60-80% chance of having dementia. Symptoms of depression affect 20-50% of individuals in nursing homes. Up to 7% of those aged 65 years and over live in nursing residential care in developed countries, although this rate is lower in southern Europe and in the developing world. In addition to dementia and depression, delirium is occasionally encountered in nursing homes, and patients with chronic schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are seen. The most important aspect of the management of psychiatric disorders among the residents of nursing homes is detection of the disorder. Many psychiatric conditions are missed or not treated. There is evidence that both antidepressants and more complex interventions may help individuals with depression in nursing homes.