A Longitudinal Look at Excess Disabilities in the Mentally Impaired Aged

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Abstract
In a research study of individualized treatment of the excess disabilities (EDs) of mentally impaired institutionalized elderly women, staff raters and outside (blind) raters agreed that experimentals improved significantly compared to controls. When ratings of change were made again 9 mo. after cessation of treatment, outside raters judged that the EDs of both groups had declined; staff raters judged that controls had shown slight improvements. Although the two groups of raters differed on the absolute level of ratings, they agreed on the relative standing of the subjects. Ratings were consistent over the two rating periods and between the two sets of raters. This evidence and validity studies indicate that ratings of staff were not capricious. The authors conclude that when experimental treatment ceased, EDs declined. Evidence to date indicates that with this population, maintenance of gains can only be achieved by sustained treatment input.

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