The purpose of this study was to examine the changes of ADL and abnormal behaviors of elderly people with dementia according to time sequencefrom admission to discharge. The participants were 55 elderly people with dementia in a respite program at the K National Mental Hospital. A prospective time series comparative design was used. Data were collected at admission, at 2 months and at 6 months after admission. The data collection period was from July, 1999 to March, 2000. Repeat measure ANOVA was used for data analysis. The results showed a statistically significant increase in ADL and decline in abnormal behaviors in the elderly people according to the time sequence. The changes in ADL and abnormal behavior were most obvious during the first 2 months. The difference between type of dementia and severity, and time sequence was analyzed. The findings showed significant difference in severity and time sequence. The results showed that the level of nursing and nursing activities were core components to improving ADL and decreasing levels of abnormal behavior in elderly people with dementia. It is suggested that various types of short and long-term respite care are necessary for functional recovery of elderly people with dementia.