Molaschi M, Ponzetto M, Ferrario E, Scarafiotti C, Fabris F. Health and functional status in elderly patients living in nursing homes.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1995;
21:267-76. [PMID:
15374202 DOI:
10.1016/0167-4943(95)00661-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/1995] [Revised: 06/06/1995] [Accepted: 06/08/1995] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Socio-economic background, functional status, multiple pathology and medical conditions requiring care have been evaluated in 506 elderly subjects living in nursing homes in Turin (Italy). In the sample 78.8% are women, mean age 84.2 years, only 21.2% are men, mean age 76.3 years. Particularly in the oldest age classes women are more represented than men. Most subjects (94.3%) require help in at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL). Part of the sample (21.2%) comes from home, 13.2% from acute wards, 9.1% from long term care wards, 6.3% from mental hospitals, 26.3% from residential homes. Education level is rather low. Before retirement, many men were workmen (38.3%), while many women were housewives (46.6%). Multiple pathology is very common: 23.7% of patients suffer from 4 pathologies, more than 5 diseases are present in 18.8%, while only 4.7% of subjects have less than two pathologies. Half of the sample (52.6%) is affected by dementia, 37.6% by cardiovascular diseases, 29.1% by chronic obstructive lung disease and 25.5% by stroke. Bone fractures are present in 22.1% of the subjects. Severe impairments in strength and/or motility in at least two limbs affect 43.7% of patients, double incontinence 49.2%, severe disturbances in speech and communication 35.4%. The prevalence of care needs is higher in women compared with men. More females than males need aid in walking, help in eating, diapers, pressure sores prevention and bedposts.
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