title: Mental status and functional abilities: change in institutionalized elderly women.
abstract: A study of 40 institutionalized elderly women was undertaken to determine if changes occurred in mental status and functional abilities over the course of 1 year. Although a number of studies examine factors that impact on successful adaptation in persons admitted to long-term care facilities, the longitudinal changes on functional abilities and mental status have not been addressed. These variables were examined in relation to the concept of self-care, which has been applied to the elderly only recently. Findings indicate a decline in mental status and an increase in functional dependency. Nursing implications and questions that merit further study in the area of self-care are presented.
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Creason
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012648:Self Care