Abstract
Objectives: To explore the physiological care needs and functional status of residents of different ages (ages under 64, 65-74, 75-84, and age over 85 years old) in long-term care facilities (LTCF) in Tainan. Methods: A data collection tool combined with Barthel's score was used. A sample of 389 residents was drawn from 21 LTCF. Data were analyzed by SAS and SPSS statistical software packages. Results: Data showed most of the residents (43.7%) were between 75 and 84 years old. The most common reason for living in an LTCF was no available caregiver in the home setting. Physiological care needs showed that about 20% of residents in each group had catheter. Residents in the 75-84 age group had the most physiological care needs. Regard of functional status, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn multiple comparisons showed that the Barthel's score was lowest in residents in the 74-85 age group and was significant different from the other three groups. In the item of activities of daily living, all residents needed the most help in bathing and the least help in eating. Results showed that 6.9% of residents had no functional deficits or care needs, and these low-care need cases seemed inappropriately placed in an LTCF. Conclusions: Residents in the 75-84 years old age group in an LTCF need more physical and functional care than residents in other age groups. Low-care need cases need to be studied further.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 319-326 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Chinese Journal of Public Health |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1999 Dec 1 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health