Benefits of rehabilitation in the presence of advanced age or severe disability.
OBJECTIVE
To review the economic and psychosocial benefits of rehabilitation for patients with advanced age or severe disability.


METHODS
Fifteen patients admitted to the Mount Royal rehabilitation unit who had been rejected by other rehabilitation services.


METHODS
Discharge destination; and the relative costs of rehabilitation with continuing community support and nursing home care.


RESULTS
In 11 of 12 patients who were discharged home, the cost of rehabilitation was significantly less than the cost of nursing home care. The psychosocial implications are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation for patients with advanced age or severe disability can be cost effective in economic and (by presumption) in psychosocial terms.
Penington
G R
GR
North West Hospital (Mount Royal Campus), Parkville, Vic.
D000359:Aftercare; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011593:Psychology, Social; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology