Changes in behaviour before and after nursing home admission

The Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scale (PGDRS) behavior subscale was completed for 431 residents of eight nursing homes at three time points: the weeks preceding nursing home admission, 2 weeks and 2 months after nursing home admission. The mean PGDRS behaviour subscale score significantly decreased from before admission to 2 weeks after admission but returned to preadmission levels at 2 months after admission (p < 0.01). There were significant temporary decreases after admission in the prevalence of interfering behaviour, difficulty understanding, self-destructive behaviour, persecutory ideas and hallucinations. A decrease in behaviour problems after admission was associated with admission because of disruptive behaviour, possible Alzheimer's disease and expecting to live permanently in the nursing home. An increase in behaviour problems was associated with admission because of disruptive behaviour, dementia with stroke, delirium, being uneasy with other residents, unoccupied by activities, incontinence and physical dependence.