Excess Disabilities of Mentally Impaired Aged: Impact of Individualized Treatment

Abstract

This formal research study tested the effect of highly individualized psycho-social, medical, and behavioral diagnosis and treatment of the excess disabilities of mentally-impaired (moderate to severe CBS) institutionalized elderly women. The project achieved significant positive improvement in the conditions toward which treatments were specifically directed. However, generalized improvement in other aspects of functioning did not occur. The results encourage therapeutic optimism and support the importance of identifying and utilizing the individual's unique traits, personality, history, and current potential strengths.